FIRST TEAM
01/02/2011

Reaction to Rangnick's departure

After four and a half years in charge 1899 Hoffenheim and Ralf Rangnick have parted company. Here's what those involved had to say about the announcement:

Dietmar Hopp:
"Today marks a difficult day in the history of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Best known for our incredible rise into the top flight, winning back to back promotions three times in row, our goal continues to be establishing ourselves as a footballing brand on the world stage.

Our unique success story of reaching the Bundesliga will always be connected with Ralf Rangnick. During his time at the club he's developed and implemented an exemplary structure. He has played a major role in the fortunes of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, on and off the pitch, and we have a lot to thank him for.

It's fair to say that we're still a relatively small club in the Bundesliga with over 6,000 members despite having a 30,000 capacity stadium. Understandably, after Ralf Rangnick had completed "Project Bundesliga" within 2 years, it was clear that our goals had to change as Hoffenheim continued to break boundaries.

It's for these reasons that we have decided to part company with Ralf Rangnick with immediate effect by mutual consent. This doesn't mean that TSG 1899 have given up on our ambitious aims. However, these have to be achieved within our economic means and it's important for us to keep an eye on the UEFA regulations regarding "financial fair play".

To this day we have learnt a lot from Ralf Rangnick and have profited greatly from his ability to bring through top young talents and develop them into regular starters, something that will help us reach our targets. That's why I want to thank Ralf Rangnick for his incredible performance at 1899 Hoffenheim, for his ideas, which will stay in place at the club for a long time to come and I wish him every success in his next job.

Peter Zeidler, who has worked closely alongside of Ralf Rangnick, is also set to leave his position with immediate effect and our thanks for his time at the club. Our current assistant manager, Marco Pezzaiuoli, has been chosen to step into the position and his team, as well as sports manager Ernst Tanner, want to wish him the best of luck in the running of this highly talented and successful team.

If we can continue to focus on developing young and talented footballers I believe we will continue to be a success."

Ernst Tanner:
"Obviously the decision to part ways with Ralf Rangnick having worked together for so many years is a difficult decision. However, this is not a sign of us throwing in the towel. We want to and still can reach our goals from the beginning of the season. We're in a strong position in the league and have a great chance to reach the semi finals of the DFB Pokal after being drawn against Energie Cottbus. We're not looking at Marco Pezzaiuoli as a caretaker manager and instead are hoping for him to see out the rest of his contract with 1899 Hoffenheim in his new role at the club."

Ralf Rangnick:
"Following an intense discussion with Dietmar Hopp, Ernst Tanner and Jochen A. Rotthaus we all came to an agreement that it was best to bring my successful reign at this club to an end.
I always had the feeling that I was the perfect manager for this club and have enjoyed my time here immensely. However, Hoffenheim have continued to grow over the past few years and has subsequently outgrown me. I can still remember the very first press conference I took in the old Dietmar-Hopp Stadium. Since then it's been a continuous upwards curve and have only been in the relegation zone during 4 Matchdays.

I wish Marco Pezzaiuoli and the whole team all the best. Of course I'm going to continue being one of the biggest 1899 fans, whether it's as a spectator or in front of the television."

 

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