Hofmann: "The team is on the right track"

Dear fans and friends of TSG,

after a difficult start, our team has made two impressive statements in the Bundesliga by winning away to FC Bayern Munich and then at home to FC Schalke 04. It did us all a lot of good. As a witness to both matches, I can say that those unexpected six points were a deserved reward for the work our coach and his team have done to date. The team is on the right track.

Following a run of sobering results, I gave an interview to the Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung towards the end of September in which I emphasised that the overhaul of the squad needed time given the numerous transfers but that our patience would definitely be rewarded. We saw the proof of that in Munich and against Schalke. I'm convinced that there's still much enjoyment to come from this team yet, even if setbacks cannot be ruled out and our matches going forward will have their fair share of ups and downs too.

Another positive has been our TSG women's team, who have delivered incredibly strong displays in the Bundesliga. The team has improved with each passing season since gaining promotion and it seems as though they are aiming to top their previous performances in their seventh campaign. Just like our men, our women beat a Bayern Munich side that were German champions in 2015 and 2016 and then finished second three years in a row. TSG now find themselves directly behind strong favourites VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga with six wins from seven games.

Our club is competing at the top on a sporting level, in rude health financially and excellently positioned for the future. Last year, TSG Hoffenheim revealed a record result with growth of almost 50 percent on the previous year. The balance sheet that our managing director Frank Briel has presented in this edition of SPIELFELD for the 2018/19 season, with turnover of EUR 164 million, is even better and is set to improve considerably in 2020. This shows that TSG Hoffenheim is distinguishing itself on all levels.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to say a few words about a non-club matter. Because 7 October was a big day for Sinsheim – and a special day for Dietmar Hopp too. Chancellor Angela Merkel came to the KLIMA ARENA, which she opened together with state premier Winfried Kretschmann. It is Mr. Hopp's foundation we have to thank for the emergence of this lighthouse in the fight against climate change. The chancellor explicitly mentioned his services to the region. One can only gratefully concur with that sentiment – and acknowledge it accordingly by paying a visit to the KLIMA ARENA. The adventure centre, which is visible and accessible from our PreZero Arena, is a unique project with an interactive exhibition and an equally informative outdoor area. Come along for a visit. I promise it'll be worth your while.