With a lot of tailwind, Hoffenheim travel to Leverkusen for their next top match and want to take advantage of the uncertainty of the third-placed team after their 2:5 in Frankfurt.
Only Sebastian Hoeneß was in poor health on Tuesday ahead of the next top match in just five days. Slightly cold, but sportingly further strengthened after Saturday’s 2-1 away coup in Freiburg, Hoffenheim’s coach is definitely expecting something from the third-placed team in the table. “When you’re fourth and go to Leverkusen in the top match of the day, it’s just cool. You’re up for it, you can win a lot in that game,” knows Hoeneß, who wants to take the momentum of four wins in a row with him. “We are now confident enough to say that we want to achieve something in Leverkusen, where things have not always looked so good in recent years. We dare to do that.”
The recent experiences of both teams in particular could play a role in this. While TSG can go into the game with the euphoria of a last-minute win, the hosts have to come to terms with a bitter 2:5 defeat in Frankfurt. “I’m sure they’re extremely sensitised now,” Hoeneß suspects, “they’re hard on themselves and will certainly want to show a reaction. On the other hand, such a defeat does have an effect.” And that’s exactly what we need to do. “We have to get them to think a little bit about the last game by the way we play the game,” said the 39-year-old, hinting at a bold and active approach.
They are third, that says it all. I think a dash of humility is always quite important too.
Well aware of Bayer’s qualities. “They are third, that says it all. I think a dash of humility is always very important,” stressed Hoeneß, “they have a team that is packed with incredible quality. They were very good on the road before, so I wouldn’t overestimate that. Nevertheless, we’ll try to work on them and unsettle them. “
For Geiger, Leverkusen comes too early
However, Hoeneß will again have to do without the support of midfield strategist Dennis Geiger (muscular problems), “he is making progress, but the game is still too early “ In addition, there are still question marks over the use of Georginio Rutter and Angelo Stiller, who were injured in Freiburg. “Rutter has a severe bruise, we’ll have to see if that’s enough,” said Hoeneß, “Angelo Stiller also took a knock on his midfoot.” Instead, the TSG coach can fall back on Florian Grillitsch, Sebastian Rudy is also still there for the centre. Christoph Baumgartner has also played out of a figure of eight.
Does TSG set their own club record?
Whatever the line-up, Hoffenheim have tasted blood with their recent upturn and are looking to establish themselves at the top. “It’s super exciting to be in this region of the table,” assures Hoeneß, “we want to continue now where we left off in Freiburg.” Should Hoffenheim actually manage a fifth win in a row, they would set their own club record, which was last achieved between June and September 2020.