There had been speculation for months, lots of well-known names had been thrown into the ring but in the end it came down to somebody not really on the radar. TSG 1899 Hoffenheim announced their new coach at the start of the international break. The Dutchman Alfred Schreuder will take over from Julian Nagelsmann for the start of next season after he has left for RB Leipzig. Before that, Nagelsmann wants to complete his final mission and in his third complete season ensure qualification for Europe. That is still on the cards: TSG are currently four points behind Bayer 04 and the European places so the home game against the Werkself will be extremely important for Hoffenheim's ambitions. The first Champions League campaign in the club's history ended at the group stage without a win, in the DFB Cup TSG went out to Nagelsmann's future club RB Leipzig. Time to gather strength for the final attack on the top third of the Bundesliga.
The most exciting change of personnel at the moment is definitely Alfred Schreuder. As surprising as his appointment as head coach was, it appears logical at closer inspection. Schreuder initially came to Hoffenheim in 2015 as the assistant to Huub Stevens, but remained as assistant coach when Julian Nagelsmann took over just after that. In January 2018 he left to go to Amsterdam as the assistant to Erik ten Hag at Ajax. The duo are currently making waves in the Champions League where they knocked out Real Madrid, winners of the competition for the past three seasons. Nagelsmann wanted to take Schreuder with him to Leipzig as assistant coach but the Dutchman refused. Instead he now takes over as the successor rather than the assistant to Nagelsmann. This shows that Nagelsmann and Schreuder have the same way of thinking about football and follow a similar approach. Given the success under Nagelsmann, it is clear to understand the reasons for the Schreuder appointment – Hoffenheim have opted for the tried and tested with the change of coach not representing a complete change in terms of the approach to the game and the 46-year-old Dutchman is expected to further develop Nagelsmann's system. He would be keen to be able to count on Andrej Kramaric. The Croat (pictured above with Nagelsmann) is currently in outstanding form, scoring the last three Hoffenheim goals before the international break. That is no secret to top European clubs. It remains to be seen whether Schreuder will be able to include Kramaric in his plans. One thing is certain however: The striker will pose a constant threat to Bayer 04 on Friday.
Hoffenheim could be higher up the table if they stopped giving away leads. TSG have been ahead in 19 of their 26 games this season with only FC Bayern and Borussia Dortmund exceeding that number. But in over half of the matches that has not led to victory with the 1-1 draw, after being 1-0 up, at Stuttgart before the international break being the tenth match where Nagelsmann's team failed to pick up three points after being in the lead - the highest number in the Bundesliga. For the game against Bayer 04, Hoffenheim have suffered a setback: Nico Schulz picked up a fifth yellow card against Stuttgart and is suspended – definitely a miss as the left back is one of the key performers in the team with his impressive performances taking him into the Germany team where he scored the winner in the 3-2 victory over Holland in the European qualifiers.
Hoffenheim are looking to continue their success over recent seasons with the appointment of Schreuder. In terms of structure and finance, the club meets all requirements to be able to establish themselves on the European stage. Nagelsmann's approach to the game should act as the example for the whole club and be continued and developed by Schreuder in the future. The youth development policy started in the second division is slowly bearing fruit: Nadiem Amiri is a homegrown talent and a regular first choice, central defender Stefan Posch and the currently injured Dennis Geiger also play an important role, the forwards Robin Hack, Christoph Baumgartner and David Otto are in the first team squad from time to time and have made their debuts this term. The future looks bright in the Kraichgau..
The quality is definitely there to achieve a European finish. A crucial factor in the successful conclusion to the final Nagelsmann mission: Hoffenheim have to pick up the points that their good performances deserve and they need to overcome dropping points after being ahead. The game on Friday will show the direction of travel: A win against Bayer 04 would put Hoffenheim in touch with their declared target and a defeat put them further behind. So one thing is certain: Hoffenheim will do all they can to get a result against the Werkself.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.
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