FIRST TEAM
01/10/2018

Dennis Geiger: “We’re going into the Rückrunde with a lot of confidence”

Dennis Geiger has extended his contract with TSG Hoffenheim until 2022. The 19-year-old midfielder spoke to achtzehn99.de about the last few months with the first team, his time with Hoffenheim as a whole, the first game back against Werder Bremen and his goals for the rest of the season.

Dennis, you’ve been at the club since 2009 since you were in the U12s. Is there anyone in particular who has helped shape the player that you’ve now become?

Geiger: It’s difficult to pick out one person in particular, because there have been so many people that have contributed to where I am right now. However, there are two coaches from early on in my career who really helped me to grow as a player: Wolfgang Heller in the U14s and Frank Fröhling in the U15s. I used to play in defence in the U12s and U13s, but Wolfgang Heller moved me into the midfield - that was a big step for me. Both coaches were very important for my development. But you can’t ignore the significance of the powers that be in the first team like Alexander Rosen and Julian Nagelsmann, who have helped me to progress even further.

Did you predict that this would be a breakthrough year for you back in the preseason?

Geiger: I felt much better this past summer than in the year before when I was also training with the first team, but played for the U23s. I thought that I had developed and was closer to breaking into the first team. When I started the final friendly against Bologna that we won 3-0, I hoped that I would at least be a part of the squad for the season opener against Werder Bremen. The fact I had won the trust of Julian Nagelsmann from the outset and was a part of the starting eleven against Bremen, it was an amazing feeling.

And now another game with Bremen is on the cards...

Geiger: Absolutely. I’m feeling in top condition and I’m really looking forward to the game. It’s the same for everyone in the squad. There’s a real sense of anticipation and excitement amongst the boys right now, and everyone is feeling well rested too. It’s now about starting the Rückrunde off as best we can, and hopefully winning all three points against Werder Bremen.

The team is in seventh place with 26 points at the half way point of the season. What are the team’s expectations for the rest of the campaign?

Geiger: We’re aiming high and going into the Rückrunde with a lot of confidence. We want to work hard and give our all out on the pitch. The Hinrunde went okay, but after the winter break we’re feeling fresh and have the ability to do even better.

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