Football Season Guide

Hoffenheim only secured their safety on the final day of last season after a disastrous campaign. Just two victories from their opening ten games saw Pellegrino Matarazzo sacked and replaced by Christian Ilzer, unfortunately this failed to spark a response. The Die Kraichgauer only managed five more wins under the Austrian, but it proved to be enough. The club have given Ilzer more time to get the players he wants and a full summer of preparation before they pass judgment, but a poor start to this season and you feel the former Sturm Graz boss will come under some serious pressure. The summer transfers so far will certainly provide optimism among supporters. The loss of midfield duo Stach and Bischoff is tough to take but they have used the money wisely. Avdullah and Berger from Basel and Stoke respectively are strong additions to this area of the field. The defence has been a weakness for Hoffenheim in recent seasons so it’s no surprise they have strengthened. Japanese centre-back Machida is a solid signing, while Bernardo and Coufal are experienced heads in top level competition. Hoffenheim will also be boosted by the return of young talents Damar and Asslani after both enjoyed a very successful loan spell at Elversberg. The pair now look ready for the Bundesliga, so it will be interesting to see what they can do. There will be no European football to distract Hoffenheim this season so they should be more consistent, providing they can keep players fit, far too many injuries last season halted their progress. They are likely to play attractive football but need to find a good balance between attack and defence.