The trend
Last season's third placed side have begun the current campaign with four defeats (in Munich, Düsseldorf, Leipzig and Frankfurt), one draw against Dortmund and three wins (to Freiburg, Hannover and Nuremberg). Following three consecutive competitive defeats, last Saturday Hoffenheim moved on to ten points with a 3-1 victory away to 1. FC Nürnberg. In eighth place, TSG are currently in their strongest position in the table thus far this season.
The coach
Julian Nagelsmann took over as head coach of TSG Hoffenheim in February 2016 – then just 28 years of age. The young coach led Hoffenheim from 17th up to 15th position, thus avoiding relegation. In the following season, 2016/2017, Hoffenheim secured fourth place and a season later TSG finished in third spot. As from next season, the now 31-year-old will move on to take over as head coach at RB Leipzig.
The captain
At the beginning of the season, Julian Nagelsmann made defensive boss Kevin Vogt club captain. Following stations at VfL Bochum and FC Augsburg, the 27-year-old made the move to TSG from 1. FC Köln in 2016 and, in his first two seasons at the club, made 21 Bundesliga appearances in each campaign.
The goal-getter
Both Adam Szalai and Reiss Nelson have each scored four goals for Hoffenheim so far this season and are thus TSG's joint top-scorers.
The former favourites
Four members of the current VfB squad have history with VfB. Alexander Stolz stood between the posts for VfB's pros and reserves between 2005 and 2011. Ermin Bicakcic wore the shirt with the infamous hoop from 2005 until 2011. Adam Szalai also began his career in the youth and reserve teams at VfB (2004-2007). Lukas Rupp made 29 Bundesliga for VfB in 2015/2016, before moving on to the Kraichgau region. During VfB's 2-0 win over TSG when they last met, the 27-year-old midfielder tore a cruciate ligament in May.
The new signings
To begin the season, Hoffenheim strengthened their squad with the additions of Kasim Adams (from Young Boys Bern), Leonardo Bittencourt (from 1. FC Köln), Vincenzo Grifo (from Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ishak Belfodil (from Standard Liege, following a loan spell with Werder Bremen), Joshua Brenet (from PSV Eindhoven), Reiss Nelson (on loan from Arsenal FC) and Joelinton (Returning from a loan spell with Rapid Vienna).
The stadium
The Wirsol Rhein-Neckar-Arena in Sinsheim was opened in 2009 and holds a total of 30,150 spectators. Last season, TSG Hoffenheim lured an average of 27,000 spectators to their home games.
Club data on TSG Hoffenheim
Founded: July 1st, 1899
Colours: Blue-White
Members: 10,425
