Hoffenheim coach Sebastian Hoeneß goes into the derby, which is even a top match this time, with a lot of respect, but also with a lot of self-confidence.
There are certain parallels to the recent task that TSG successfully solved against Frankfurt (3:2). SC Freiburg is another opponent with a broad chest and a remarkable series against Hoffenheim. The Breisgau side have picked up ten points out of twelve in their last four meetings, and Freiburg have lost only one of their last ten home games against TSG. Like their guests, the hosts go into the derby with a victory behind them, which was much more massive with Freiburg’s 6-0 thumping of Gladbach.
TSG coach Sebastian Hoeneß therefore expects “an extremely demanding task”, “they are extremely stable and compact, play very intensively. They are good against the ball in every phase, with the ball they are flexible and can also use direct passes to bring clarity into their game, but they are also very dangerous with second balls and especially with standards.” However, the 39-year-old also points to their own strengths and the momentum of the last few weeks with three wins in a row. “There is a certain continuity and stability in the way we play. Christian Streich will also have taken a close look at how we’ve developed,” Hoeneß suspects and is eager to attack: “We’d like to overtake Freiburg. It’s about dominating the region, but also the table. We score significantly more goals than they do, they get fewer. Let’s see which is more valuable in this game. “
The foot is only causing minor problems.
Andrej Kramaric can also help TSG score goals again. Hoeneß did not guarantee him a start, but put it this way: “Andrej is certainly further along than he was last week. The foot is only causing minor problems now, an Andrej at almost 100 per cent is always a very good option.” Whether starting or coming off the bench, Kramaric is set to play his 200th competitive game for Hoffenheim, in which he could score his 100th competitive goal for TSG. This quota alone illustrates the importance and potential of the Croatian, who also seems to like Freiburg. In eight games, the 30-year-old has already scored seven goals against SC, only against Hertha BSC did he score more often (9 times).
Hoeneß will have to make changes in the centre, with Dennis Geiger “it won’t be enough yet “, and for Florian Grillitsch, who has been suffering from a cold lately, “it will be tight, it could be enough, we’ll have to wait and see”. At least the Austrian was able to resume training on Thursday.
