Changes ahead of the 2018/19 season

There will be quite a few changes in store for TSG Hoffenheim this season. For the first time in their history, the club have reached the Champions League group stages and that means different kick-off times for the team and fans to adapt to in the #CHAMPIONSLEAGUE. The games all used to kick off at 20:45 CET, but kick-off times will be staggered starting from the 2018/19 campaign. Most matches will start at 21:00 CET, but two games will kick off at 18:55 CET on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

In addition, broadcasting rights have been redistributed for the coming campaign. For the first time, the online streaming service "DAZN" will share the rights to show Champions League games live with broadcaster "Sky". A partnership between "Sky" and "DAZN" means that all the Champions League matches will continue to be shown in sports bars. There will be no matches on free-to-air television.

DFL allow coaches use of technical aids

The changes that lie ahead for TSG are not solely limited to the Champions League, with the Bundesliga set for some new innovations too. The German Football League (DFL) has approved the use of technical aids and electronic communication via tablets and headsets for coaching and tactical purposes starting in the new season.

Communication with the medical staff will be enhanced too. While still on the pitch, team doctors and support staff will now be allowed to pass an initial diagnosis to the dugout. Each team is limited to the use of three devices.

New Derbystar matchball

There is an additional change for the players, who will be using a new ball supplied by Derbystar for the 2018/19 Bundesliga season. The "Brillant APS" replaces its predecessor, the Adidas-developed "Torfabrik", as the official matchball.