The longstanding tension surrounding TSG 1899 Hoffenheim has intensified, especially following a passionate outburst from a veteran player and widespread speculation about the potential dismissal of head coach Christian Ilzer. The landscape of German football journalism is increasingly critical of Hoffenheim as the fallout from the controversial ousting of former sporting director Alexander Rosen continues to unfold. This week, Kicker Magazine, a leading voice in the industry, has released two editorials spotlighting the ongoing turmoil within the club and the implications for its future.

Critics from Germany’s top football publication have raised serious concerns about governance in Sinsheim. Despite club patriarch Dietmar Hopp’s commitment to revert the team to a fan-owned model under the 50+1 rule last spring, the reality appears starkly different. Although Hoffenheim is technically classified as a fan-owned club, administrative decisions this season have largely been made by a select group of powerful individuals. The influence of Hopp’s financial resources remains evident, particularly in the club’s transfer budget, raising questions about the integrity of its operations.

This week, Kicker’s seasoned journalists Michael Pfeifer and Frank Lußem contributed impactful columns addressing the current crisis. Pfeifer reported on the dismal attendance during Saturday’s humiliating defeat against 1. FC Union Berlin, highlighting the failure of the South stand ultras to heed an appeal from the stadium’s PA announcer at the PreZero Arena. Known for their unwavering support of Rosen, the Hoffenheim ultras have been significantly affected by his departure, creating a palpable disconnect between the fans and the club’s management.

“Hoffenheim are fighting for acceptance in their own region,” Pfeifer articulated. “Fans called for atmosphere boycotts at the beginning of the season. The ‘Hoffenheim Project’ struggles to resonate in the club’s 17th Bundesliga season. Internal conflicts and unresolved issues are contributing factors.”

Lußem’s editorial delves deeper into the controversial decision to appoint Andreas Schicker from Sturm Graz as Rosen’s successor. Schicker wasted no time in dismissing trainer Pellegrino Matarazzo and quickly hiring his former head coach, Ilzer, leading to what Lußem describes as a “friendly takeover” that could go down as one of the most significant blunders in Bundesliga history. The transition has also seen three assistant coaches and striker Erencan Yardımcı accompany Schicker and Ilzer from Graz, intensifying scrutiny over their strategy.

“If it doesn’t work, it will go down as one of the biggest failures in Bundesliga history,” Lußem warned. “It’s preferable to find replacements for fired coaches and managers who possess a deep understanding of the club, its culture, and its potential. Above all, it’s crucial to bring in individuals who recognize the serious risks associated with relegation from the Bundesliga, impacting all employees of the club.”

In a compelling article published today on Kicker’s website, journalist Benni Hofmann explores the discrepancies surrounding Dennis Geiger’s well-known “€90m outlay” statement, contrasting it with figures from transfermarkt and other sources. Hofmann highlights that the bonuses tied to the transfers of defender Robin Hranac this summer and striker Gift Orban this winter may elevate the current estimated expenditure of €76m closer to the €90m mark, indicating a more complex financial scenario.

Striker Orban, who has shown promise during his time in Kraichgau, could lead to additional costs of €3m-€4m in performance-related bonuses. Conversely, Hranac, whose performance has been disappointing thus far, was associated with €3.2m in performance-related incentives, raising further questions about the club’s investment strategy and player development initiatives.

GGFN | Peter Weis