The domestic season started well for the Hoffenheim: Thanks to a brace of 1-0 wins at Rot Weiß Erfurt and Werder Bremen, TSG went through to the second round of the DFB Cup and clocked up three points in the league. There was less success on the European stage: The Champions League qualifier against Liverpool resulted in a 2-1 loss at home and a 4-2 defeat at Anfield on Wednesday night. That means last season's fourth-placed side now joins the list of German clubs in the Europa League.
The most important moves in terms of personnel were completed before the summer break: The much admired gem of a coach extended his contract at the start of June to 2021 – to the great relief of everybody at Hoffenheim. In January it had been announced that two key players in midfield maestro Sebastian Rudy and defensive giant Niklas Süle would leave the club in the summer to join Bayern Munich. However, further defections from the successful Hoffenheim squad of last term have been avoided. Top signings over the summer were the internationally experienced, former Gladbach player Havard Nordtveit (27, West Ham United) and the FC Bayern loanee Serge Gnabry (22).
The impudence of youth. With their young coach and many young players, the team from the Kraichgau proved to be a surprise package last season with their refreshing, attacking football. Nagelsmann was impressive in organising his lads according to the opposition – without diminishing his team's own strength at the same time. He also showed great finesse in often making substitutions that proved decisive in games. In the end, TSG were the fourth best attacking side in the Bundesliga. Gnabry is now another option alongside the dynamic and technically impressive midfield built around Kerem Demirbay that increases the threat of the forward line of Andrej Kramaric, Sandro Wagner and Mark Uth. If everybody stays fit, TSG should produce fireworks up front again this season.
As much as the TSG attack shines, the defence does appear a little less impressive. On Wednesday, Liverpool discovered that Hoffenheim have their weaknesses at the back when they scored three goals in eleven minutes against TSG. The departure of Rudy has left a large hole in the Hoffenheim midfield. The loss of the 27-year-old international now has to be covered by others. Süle's replacement in defence, Nordtveit, has yet to produce the performances expected of the experienced Norwegian.
TSG Hoffenheim again promise entertaining football this season. However, it remains to be seen whether they can be as successful as last term. Hoffenheim have to show they have the strength in depth in the squad to cope with playing every three days. If that proves to be successful and the deficiencies in the defence are remedied in time, then a top-six finish is on the cards again this season.
The Werkself are away to Premier League club Chelsea in the final pre-season friendly. The game against the current holders of the UEFA Conference League is on Friday, 8 August at Stamford Bridge with the kick-off at 20:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Dutch top-flight club Fortuna Sittard in the third pre-season friendly. The match is on Friday, 1 August at the Fortuna Sittard stadium with the kick-off at 19:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to VfL Bochum in the second pre-season friendly. The match is on Sunday, 27 July at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion with the kick-off at 18:00 CEST. Read on for the latest information on ticket sales.
Show moreA striking look and innovative design as an expression of a forward-looking partnership: With the official presentation of the current home jersey, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and sports equipment manufacturer New Balance start a new era in tandem. For the first partnership with a professional German club, the American company from Boston, Massachusetts has developed a creative new interpretation of the Leverkusen club colours. A row of red lines, made up of slender crosses, merges into a black background. Inspired by the world famous Bayer Cross, the jersey is a symbol of a new beginning without forgetting historical roots.
Show moreThe Werkself home jersey for the 2025/ 26 season is here! A row of red lines, made up of slender crosses, merges into a black background. Inspired by the world famous Bayer Cross, the jersey is a symbol of a new beginning without forgetting our historical roots. The new home jersey is available now from the Bayer 04 shops and the online shop.
Show more