Season Review 3: The striker returns

Part 3

"I knew that it wasn't going to be an easy season for me. It was also foreseeable that I wasn't going to repeat my efforts of scoring 18 goals in 17 matches as I did the season before", explained Ibisevic who can often times be his own worst critic: "I have to accept that this season I may have let the discussions about me, that took place in the media, effect me else I'm sure I would have scored a few more goals." 12 goals in a season is by no means a bad return for a centre forward of Ibisevic's quality, however, much like the Hoffenheim's season: It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either.

He acknowledges that it took him some time to recover fully from injuring his cruciate ligament in the 2008/09 season. His hat-trick against Hertha BSC Berlin towards the end of September stirred hope amongst the supporters that they could expect another goal filled campaign from the Bosnian striker in the coming season. However, the striker fell short of expectations and found himself, just like he did at Borussia Dortmund, on the Hoffenheim bench. However, the striker was there when he was needed the most as he scored in the Signal Iduna Park to secure Bundesliga football for another season at 1899 Hoffenheim. This win broke the poor run of form the team had been experiencing and breathed life back into the club and the players. After that the club and Ibisevic started performing again. The Bosnian international followed up with two goals against Hamburg and fans have high hopes that he can carry his goal scoring form into next season - although he is yet to set a target for himself.

 

Part 1: Season Review 1: A season with highs and lows

Part 2: Season Review 2: A captain with a twist

Part 3: Season Review 3: The striker returns

Part 4: Season Review 4: between the starting eleven and the bench