The TSG Hoffenheim players approached the microphones with broad grins last Saturday afternoon. No wonder as they secured a last-minute win in the big match against SC Freiburg. Central defender Chris Richards headed the winner in a 2-1 victory in the fourth minute of added time to secure the fourth win on the bounce. "We're training very hard, we feel good and are very happy about another three points," declared the 21-year-old after the final whistle. The team led by head coach Sebastian Hoeneß have performed incredibly well so far this term. Fourth place and 26 points make a clear statement after 15 matchdays. In the last ten games, TSG have clocked up seven wins (three defeats) and were the second most in-form Bundesliga side during that period behind league leaders Bayern Munich (eight wins, two defeats). "We feel like brothers and give our all for each other on the pitch," said Richards in explaining the formula for success at Hoffenheim recently and he added: "You can see that and it’s what we’re about."
Coach Hoeneß has injury problems ahead of the clash with the Werkself and he will have to manage without Ermin Bicakcic (rehab after torn cruciate), Jacob Bruun Larsen (training deficit), Marco John (flu) and Robert Skov (thigh injury). In contrast to the 2-1 win in Freiburg, Dennis Geiger may well return to the starting line-up. The 23-year-old midfielder has recently suffered with muscular problems but is an option again for Wednesday night. Alternatives in central midfield are Angelo Stiller and Sebastian Rudy. If defensive all-rounder Florian Grillitsch, who missed the Freiburg game due to a cold, comes back into the starting eleven, then Richards or Stefan Posch will have to make way. Striker Georginio Rutter is also a candidate for a start after only coming on as a substitute on the last matchday.
Bayer 04 against Hoffenheim – a battle between the quick starters and the late finishes. The Werkself have scored 11 goals in the opening 15 minutes; the top stat in the Bundesliga. TSG lead the ranking of the 18 clubs with goals in the final 15 minutes (nine). In addition, the team from the Kraichgau also have the fourth best attack in the league. Five of their 32 goals have been scored by Ihlas Bebou who is the club's top scorer in the Bundesliga. The forward missed the start of the season due to a Covid-19 infection but is now right back in the saddle. Sebastian Hoeneß is a fan of the Togo international and he describes him as a lad with a "super character" who works hard on the pitch and is therefore "enormously important" for the team. It's no wonder the 27-year-old has been a regular starter for TSG since matchday five. In Andrej Kramaric, Hoffenheim have the third best provider in the league (seven assists) in their ranks – only Thomas Müller (11, Bayern Munich) and Werkself youngster Florian Wirtz (eight) have set up more goals.
As much fun as TSG fans have in the attacking strength of their team, they very much yearn for defensive stability. The Hoeneß team have conceded 23 goals in 15 games. There is undoubtedly a need to find a better balance between the different parts of the team. A problem that Hoffenheim and Leverkusen share with each other: No other teams in the top half of the table have conceded more goals than the Werkself and TSG (24 and 23 respectively).
TSG are currently not only amongst the most in-form teams in the Bundesliga but also amongst the most consistent – after conceding there have almost always been results in the end and they have only suffered two defeats in succession once this season. The Hoeneß team are currently in outstanding shape and are definitely one of the teams capable of finishing in a European spot, in particular due to their offensive qualities. The impressive attacking duo of Kramaric and Bebou are supported by young players like David Raum and Georginio Rutter who have really emerged this season. If these Hoffenheim "brothers" continue to consistently pick up points then there are several possibilities for the players from the Kraichgau in this current Bundesliga season.
A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.
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On Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.
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Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.
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Nathan Tella has extended his contract with Bayer 04 to 2031. In an interview with Werkself TV, the 26-year-old talks about fulfilling his dreams, his positive outlook on life and his goals for the future. He answers the questions in English - all except the last one, which he addresses directly to the fans...
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