FIRST TEAM
11/04/2010

Next stop, Hamburg!

“It's no coincidence that we're near the top”, explained Sebastian Rudy, a new signing this season, who has been an integral part of the teams' effort. Sitting in third place with 18 points to their name, Hoffenheim are determined to take something from their match against Hamburg this weekend, as they aim to prove to everyone that it's no coincidence whatsoever.

"Big points", as Ralf Rangnick calls them, are the ones you want to win. Trainer Rangnick is confident that his team can return to Kraichgau with a few more points in the bag. "The match against HSV is important because we want to maintain our place at the top. However, we know that Hamburg are under pressure after their last match. If we keep up our high level performances and present them with next to no chances, like we did against Dortmund, we can definitely take points from this match," stated Rangnick.

New boys are making a mark

In that match against Dortmund, Rudy, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Peniel Mlapa all had a part to play. They are three new signings who have added a level of gusto to the team, whilst providing stability in much needed areas. Sigurdsson, in particular, impressed during last weekend's 4-0 victory over Hannover 96, scoring twice and setting up another. Mlapa, using his immense pace, added a goal, while Rudy kept everything tight at the back and provided the assist for the fourth goal. Rangnick correctly pointed out that: "We definitely got it right with our new signings, not just in terms of football, but also their personalities." Rudy and Sigurdsson have both expressed their happiness at signing for Hoffenheim and that they feel very comfortable in their new environment. It can only serve to strengthen the atmosphere within the team. "The team playing at such a high level is a fantastic thing for me", exclaimed Rangnick.

United in victory

The strength of the new signings is not the only reason for Hoffenheim's good fortune early on this season. Within the last few years 1899 have created a young team that have bonded as a team and possess large amounts of potential. "Our advantage is that most of the players have been together as a team for 3 years now. " Naturally everyone would have hoped for a little more consistency. However, given that the team is the youngest in the league it is understandable that "there isn't absolute stability in the team. The constant development is positive and is therefore something we need to maintain," explained Rangnick.

Against HSV there should be a good mix of the old and the new as the team puts up a united front. "We want to build on the win over Hannover and walk away with the three points again on Saturday", said Sigurdsson with Rudy adding: "Just like against Dortmund, we need to defend, whilst putting them under pressure at the other end." It is a must to stay strong at the back as coach Rangnick will testify, "it doesn't matter who is missing, they still have a strong team. Especially up front, where they have very technically gifted individuals." Hoffenheim will only have to deal without Josip Simunic in the back line, although this is becoming a common occurrence, meanwhile other players have questions marks surrounding their involvement, but will none the less be hoping to have a part to play against HSV.

Stats and Facts

The statistics definitely lean in Hoffenheim's favour. In four Bundesliga matches, Rangnick's men have only lost once against HSV. Inside the Rhein-Neckar-Arena Hoffenheim won convincingly both times with a 3-0 win and a 5-1 thumping. However, the matches in Hamburg have not been as successful ending in a 0-0 draw and 0-1 loss. Hamburg will need to be wary of Hoffenheim's set pieces as they lead the league in goals from dead ball situations with 10 efforts finding their way into the net. However, 62% of the goals conceded by the men from Kraichgau have also come from set pieces - another league leading statistic.

 

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