For TSG Hoffenheim, seven game days before the end of the season, things can be unexpectedly uncomfortable.
–
After three defeats in a row, the gap to the relegation region has narrowed to just seven points. With a view to the April program, the Kraichgauer have it with Leverkusen (April 12), Leipzig (April 16), Mönchengladbach (April 21) and Freiburg (April 24) against particularly strong teams, against which only three points were scored in the first half of the season , to do.
In the end of the season in May, it will be against the relegation-threatened teams from Schalke 04 (May 8), Bielefeld (May 15) and Hertha BSC Berlin (May 22), against whom there were four points in the first half of the season. But it is not the current standings or the next opponents that worries many a Hope fan, but rather the plan, idea and helpless approach in the last games. Even in phases of dominant game control, there is a lack of determination, efficiency and callous exploitation of top-class goal chances.
“Hope” leaves too much behind, often depriving itself of the wages it deserves. While the new coach Sebastian Hoeneß unfortunately shows little consistency throughout the season, weaknesses that were not to be expected become apparent towards the end of the season. Instead of further development, stagnation and sometimes even regression can be seen. The cup-out against second division team Fürth as well as the failure of the European Cup against the Norwegian outsider Molde FK is difficult to get out of your mind – also because they are difficult to explain.
An insecure, anything but stable back team is important in the inventory, which has the second worst league value with 47 goals. Significant is the statement made by goalkeeper Oliver Baumann: “We are in a situation where we also have to look at the other teams. That is terrifying and worries me.” What particularly annoys Hoffenheim’s number 1 are the goals conceded early on, which the team puts under additional pressure right from the start. A lack of vigilance and concentration made it easy for the opponents. Both against Stuttgart (15th min.), Mainz (1st) and Augsburg (8th and 23rd) they were early behind and could then no longer turn the game for themselves.
“We have to get into games better in order to take the lead – that’s the biggest starting point”, Hoeneß stated aptly, but it did not help. The team does not seem to internalize or perceive this. Goals that benefit the opponent mainly through serious, individual and tactical mistakes and play into the cards. The opponents have long since seen through the style of play under Hoeneß, pull back a long way, let the Hoffenheim play their little space-saving passing game and wait for the counterattack. The Augsburgers have recently used this extremely efficiently and were able to overtake the Kraichgauer in the end despite their weak offensive second half.
Once again it was revealed how important striker Andrej Kramaric is for the people of North Baden. Without their top star, who has to take a break due to an ankle injury, there was still no win of the season, but just relying on the Croatian’s goals would be too easy. Now other players are called upon to step into the breach and make up for the failure of the goalscorer as best as possible. Should the Hoeneß team not show a significant increase in performance in the next home game on Monday evening (8.30 p.m.) against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the works team will give them the next bitter pill. Now, more than ever, the players have a duty. The critical comments and disappointments of the fans will not go unnoticed by them either.
To blame the failure on the relatively inexperienced trainer would be too cheap. Defiant reaction now would be the best answer. The existing team of players is strong enough, despite the loss of some regular staff, to set an example and pull the cart out of the mud itself. The will and the willingness are decisive. If in the end, despite the best efforts and full commitment, it leads to a defeat over 90 minutes, this is easier to convey for the fan, such as defeats in the Mainz or Augsburg category. It’s not too late to regain lost credit.
– .
