Justin Hoogma: “I'm one of the challengers”

Justin, what was decisive in choosing TSG?

Justin Hoogma: On the one hand, TSG’s style of play is fascinating. Good football is played here, long balls are the only exception – that suits my game. On the other, Julian Nagelsmann played a big role – he persuaded me with his idea of football. Also, there’s a good team here. For example, I already knew the assistant coach Alfred Schreuder a little; he was the senior team’s assistant coach when I played in Twente Enschede’s youth team and I hold him in high regard. When I came here for talks, I had a good feeling immediately. It’s quiet here; everyone is concentrated on their work which suits me.

You’ve been training with your new team for a little over a week now. What are your first impressions?

Hoogma: I have been welcomed into the group very well. The first sessions on the pitch went superbly and it’s extremely fun. I hope things continue like this.

What differences have you already noticed here from your time in the Netherlands?

Hoogma: We play a completely different system here in comparison to Almelo, so the exercises in training are different. The coach does a lot with the ball and we work on our kind of football. The exercises are complex and you have to think a lot on the pitch. It’s challenging, but I like to use my head.

In Almelo you were an undisputed starter, now you’re a young and new player who is challenging for his place. How is that for you?

Hoogma: The situation is comparable to the start of my time in Almelo. Then, like now, I was one of the youngest players and had to prove myself. I did that. In Hoffenheim, I’m one of the challengers to the established players. The competition for places is high, but I’ll give my all.

Your father was a professional footballer himself and played for, amongst other teams, Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga. Has that been a help or hindrance to your development?

Hoogma: For me, it was always positive. Of course, comparisons are always made, but I’ve never thought of them as a bad thing. He played in the position I do now, so I can learn from him. Last season in Almelo, he watch all of my games as he’s the sporting director there. We spoke a lot about my games which was good, telling me what I could do better, what I had to work on. He helped me a lot.

Has he also helped you find a house here?

Hoogma: Yes he has, this week I found somewhere in Heidelberg. I’ll move in after the training camp.

What aims do you have heading into the training camp next week and for the rest of pre-season?

Hoogma: I just always want to give my best in training, then we’ll see if I’m on the pitch for the DFB Pokal or the first Bundesliga game. The coach and his staff decided that. My goal is to become a better footballer, everything else then comes automatically.