TsG 1899 Hoffenheim is the comeback monster of the Bundesliga: After the 2:1 against VfB Stuttgart, matchwinner Christoph Baumgartner (22) highlighted the mentality of the Kraichgauer.
The numbers are almost frightening. 17 goals in the final quarter alone mean a league high, 21 points after being behind are unsurprisingly that too. In addition, TSG have won four of their last six games after coming from behind.
In the 2-1 win over VfB Stuttgart, Hoffenheim had some good chances early on – in addition to Pavel Kaderabek’s shot against the crossbar, Benjamin Hübner’s goal was rightly disallowed – but the Kraichgauers also left a lot to be desired at the back. Until the 85th minute, TSG were even threatened with defeat because of the deficit. Asked about the frequently overslept opening phases, Baumgartner replied on DAZN: “If we knew that, we would do better. But what we always deliver in the end is sensational. “
“We really push VfB in then “
The Austrian was referring to the powerplay, which gave the Swabians a real hard time. “We really put the pressure on VfB,” said Baumgartner, whose dream goal to equalise started the turnaround. He “probably doesn’t always hit the ball like that”, but the left-footed shot with spin into the corner had a simple ulterior motive. “I think we crossed a lot, a lot today. In that situation, I thought I’d fake the cross and make the Kramaric move.” With success. His weak left foot “doesn’t look that weak in that case,” Baumgartner said, looking at the TV images.
With 40 points, Hoffenheim are fourth in the table and have put pressure on their rivals from Leipzig and Freiburg. The fans can justifiably hope for the top flight. Baumgartner wanted to keep the ball low, but made it clear: “The mentality and team spirit we are currently displaying is definitely Champions League-ready.” In future, however, TSG would have to “take control of the games from the start” more often, said the 17-time Austrian international (six goals).
“It’s no coincidence that we turn games like this,” he added. Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß, however, would certainly not object next Sunday (5.30 p.m.) if a comeback is not necessary in the first place.
