New Delhi: The 2024-25 Bundesliga season is set to kick off this weekend. TSG Hoffenheim will enter the 2024-25 Bundesliga season with an opportunity to solidify their position as a consistent top-tier contender. Known for their attacking, possession-based style, Hoffenheim has shown adaptability in recent campaigns. Hoffenheim will look to improvise last season’s stats.
With the beginning of the new season marks TSG Hoffenheim’s 126th season and 17th consecutive season in the Bundesliga. Die Kraichgauer has failed to win at the Allianz Arena in the club’s last five attempts. Following three mediocre seasons, Hoffenheim improved their attacking output and earned a Europa League spot but they also conceded 66 goals, which was the most since 2014.
As the club prepares for their new season kick-off in just three days, their approach to building a competitive squad will be crucial in their quest for success in the upcoming Bundesliga season and the UEFA Champions League.
TSG Hoffenheim’s tactical prospects for the 2024-25 season
SINSHEIM, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 11: Pellegrino Matarazzo of Hoffenheim gestures during the Bundesliga match between TSG Hoffenheim and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at PreZero-Arena on February 11, 2023 in Sinsheim, Germany. (Photo by Simon Hofmann/Getty Images)
TSG Hoffenheim’s manager Pellegrino Matarazzo is a tactically flexible manager but he often prefers employing a three-center-back system with a number of variations to choose from. Matarazzo most frequently used a 3-5-2 formation at Stuttgart, with two box-to-box midfielders who are strong runners and have major on- and off-ball responsibilities on their side of the field. His preferred method of building on the ball is a 4+1 “bowl” style in which a midfielder drops deep to receive and ball-side center-backs are pushed wide.
Matarazzo last year after joining TSG Hoffenheim also preferred the same formation. He enjoys using vertical balls—both through the air and along the ground—to expose a defense when his teams advance into the attacking third.
Matarazzo frequently uses a strong press as many German managers do; although his press isn’t quite as aggressive as the popular Gegenpressing utilized by many German coaches. He does take pleasure in launching a forceful counter-press to recover the ball fast when it is lost in high-scoring areas of the play.
It’s undeniable how well Matarazzo has done in Germany with limited resources in a limited amount of time. He lifted Hoffenheim from a relegation battle to a Europa League participant in just one and a half seasons as a manager. His strong tactical knowledge and flexibility are truly impressive and have opened plenty of eyes as he helped them climb five spots above the table last season.
Transfer analysis
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 07: Adam Hlozek of Leverkusen celebrates after scoring his teams first goal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Emirates Stadium on August 07, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)
TSG Hoffenheim’s summer transfer window has been a mix of strategic additions and notable departures. One of the most significant departures is 21-year-old Maximilian Beier a prolific young talent who was sold to Borussia Dortmund for €28 million. He scored 16 goals and provided three assists last season, leaves a considerable gap at Hoffenheim, who will need to find a new leading scorer to fill his shoes.
To bolster their ranks, Hoffenheim has made strategic additions. The acquisition of Alexander Prass, a promising Austrian midfielder, adds depth and creativity to the team. However, the jury is still out on whether these new signings can fully compensate for the loss of Beier and other departing players.
Additionally, Hoffenheim will have to manage the return of several players from their loans at the end of the season. Jacob Bruun Larsen, a 25-year-old Danish left winger will return from his loan at Burnley FC. Attila Szalai, a 26-year-old Hungarian centre-back was on loan to SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga, is now valued at ₹32 Cr. Diadié Samassékou, a 28-year-old Malian defensive midfielder currently on loan to Cádiz CF in Spain’s LaLiga2 is valued at ₹16 Cr. Julian Justvan, a 26-year-old German attacking midfielder will also return from his loan at SV Darmstadt 98 in the German 2. Bundesliga. The club will need to assess how these returning players fit into the team’s overall strategy.
Fisnik Asllani the 21-year-old Kosovan centre-forward valued at ₹6.4 Cr is also on loan to Austria Vienna in the Austria Bundesliga, while Muhammed Damar, a 20-year-old German attacking midfielder valued at ₹4.8 Cr, is on loan to Hannover 96 in the German 2. Bundesliga. These changes highlight a transformative period for Hoffenheim as they look to rebuild and strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
Early predictions: Top 10 finish?
TSG Hoffenheim are expected to finish within the top 10 this season. They can still manage to repeat last season’s ranking if they perform well under Pellegrino Matarazzo.
The upcoming season will be a test of whether Hoffenheim can build upon this foundation and challenge for the Bundesliga title or will collapse to the lower rankings. Only time will tell but one thing is for sure under Motarazzo’s guidance they can bring great upsets.
TSG Hoffenheim’s upcoming match against Holstein Kiel on August 24, 2024, will be an early test of their tactical prowess and squad cohesion. Currently ranked 13th, Hoffenheim needs to strengthen their tactical approach to secure a spot in the top six. If Hoffenheim wants to compete for a coveted Champions League spot the next season, they will need to find more balance this season.
Analyzing key transfers, tactical shifts, and TSG Hoffenheim’s quest for Bundesliga glory under Pellegrino Matarazzo. Can they excel upcoming season? Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
