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Hoffenheim report card

Jonathan HardingMay 22, 2014

Defensively wobbly but wonderfully attacking, Hoffenheim finished strongly to disguise a patchy season. Jonathan Harding grades their 2013/14 Bundesliga season.

https://p.dw.com/p/1C0jA
Fußball Bundesliga 5. Spieltag TSG 1899 Hoffenheim gegen Borussia Mönchengladbach
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

The league's entertainers. Despite having seen 142 goals come in matches involving them, Hofffenheim still managed a strong finish to their Bundesliga season, securing ninth.

Their overall season statistics of 11 wins, 11 draws and 12 defeats does describe exactly what kind of season they've had though. Roberto Firmino and Kevin Volland caught the eye, but their defensive issues dragged them back down when things looked promising.

Key player

It's hard to argue any other case than Roberto Firmino's. The Brazilian attacking midfielder was often the difference between three points or no points for TSG. His directness, quick feet and excellent technique left him with an astounding 16 goals and 12 assists to his name at the end of the league season.

Fußball Bundesliga TSG 1899 Hoffenheim gegen VfB Stuttgart
Roberto Firmino, one of the Bundesliga's most exciting young talentsImage: picture-alliance/dpa

Surprise player

Given his ankle injury and poor form at the start of the season, Sebastian Rudy proved just how important he can be for the club when all the pieces come together. He formed a solid partnership with Eugen Polanski in the latter stages of the season and the combination of his vision, strong tackling and sensible use of possession helped the club hit form late on.

Manager

It has been a defining season for Markus Gisdol. With the club having gone through too many names in a short space of time, Gisdol did more than just steady the ship. He has given the club identity and a plan. As a result, he looks set to be in the dugout for a while to come, and rightfully so.

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim - Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Markus Gisdol has imprinted an attacking mindset on his sideImage: picture-alliance/dpa

Defining moment

A quarter-final cup run certainly boosted moral, but it was the three games at the beginning of March that actually set the club on their way to a strong finish. Having trounced Wolfsburg 6-2, Hoffenheim promptly lost 4-0 to Schalke and then 4-2 to Mainz. Many sides would have faltered, but Gisdol's took off, losing only two of their final nine – a run which included a spirited comeback in Munich.

What's next?

Awarding Roberto Firmino with a long-term contract was a smart move by the club. Keeping him for as long as possible is important, but it also means that when he does go, the club will benefit from a handsome fee. With the recent arrivals of Frankfurt captain Pirmin Schwegler and Freiburg goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, the squad is starting to improve. While 18-year-old defender Niklas Süle will continue to develop, more defensive strength is needed if the club are to push on after this season. Another top ten finish would be excellent.

Grade: B

Despite a wobble, the club have probably finished above expectations. To push on for Europe, they will have to shape up defensively and potentially shake the 'entertainers' badge they've been given.