In the wake of the recent wave of contract extensions at Hoffenheim, Andrej Kramaric (30) is now expected to follow suit.
The recent duel with SC Freiburg is still vivid in the memory of everyone at Hoffenheim. Just under six weeks ago, the Kraichgauer had triumphed in Breisgau, claiming a 2-1 away win with a last-minute goal from Chris Richards. A happy ending in a close game that could have gone the other way had ex-Freiburg player Oliver Baumann not saved a penalty kick from ex-Hoffenheim player Vincenzo Grifo.
“It’s going to be another close game on Wednesday, a game of equals, we are neighbours in the table,” suspects TSG coach Sebastian Hoeneß, who expects the Freiburg side to be even more bilious after the recent 1:5 in Dortmund: “Anyone who has followed Christian Streich knows that he will certainly not accept a game like the one in Dortmund. That’s why we have to be prepared for very aggressive Freiburg players who will be looking for the run forward. “
Adamyan and Asllani questionable, Grillitsch back
However, the 39-year-old can build on a handsome home record, Hoffenheim having won seven of their ten mandatory home games, including the 5-1 win over Kiel in the cup, and losing just one (0-2 to Mainz). “We have something to show, especially at home. We have this awareness, knowing full well that it will once again be necessary to really give everything. It’s going to be a nice cup fight,” said Hoeneß, “an all-or-nothing game, and I’m going to raise awareness for that once again. It’s them or us. It’s about asserting yourself on this one day. That will make itself felt, I’m sure of it.”
In addition to the already missing Ermin Bicakcic (rehab after cruciate ligament rupture), Marco John (COVID-19), Diadie Samassekou (Africa Cup) and the thigh injured Robert Skov and Pavel Kaderabek, the deployments of Sargis Adamyan (neck strain) and Fisnik Asllani (twisted ankle) are still questionable. In contrast, Florian Grillitsch has returned to the team after his Corona infection. “Flo is back with us, now we have to see how he is together and whether it is actually enough already,” explained Hoeneß.
Hoeneß optimistic about Kramaric
The head coach is very pleased to register the latest wave of contract extensions (Baumann, Bebou, Vogt, Rutter). “This is great news, which also shows that the boys are really keen to follow the path,” says Hoeneß, “it is also a confirmation of our work here from everyone who is part of it.”
Will Andrej Kramaric soon follow in the wake of this development? Hoeneß is optimistic about that, too. “Now let’s see, my gut feeling is irrelevant. I have great confidence in Alexander Rosen,” assures Hoeneß, ” it is legitimate for Andrej to think about it, we are in the middle of a pandemic, these are all factors that go into it. It simply has to be a well-considered decision for everyone involved. That’s why we’re still negotiating a bit, but so far it’s always gone in the direction we want. “