1899 without psychologist Hans-Dieter Hermann next term

"Working at Hoffenheim was a gift from God," said the 50-year-old, who informed the club and the team at the beginning of April. His work on team building, which was always welcome among the squad, will be fondly remembered and hopefully continued in one way or another. Hermann insisted that his departure has nothing to do with the team's recent dip in form. "Everything is in place here for a very bright future, and I'll be giving my absolute all for the club for the rest of the season." Hermann's workload as a sports psychologist has increased manifold over the past few years, making his decision fully understandable. "I've only had five days' holiday in the last three years and I've been travelling at least 200 days a year. Sometimes I would fly to a lecture after training and then be back in training again the next day. I've had a seven-day week for years now and I needed to change something." As a husband and father of two, Hermann is hoping to spend a lot more time with his family, as well as devoting more time to his other ventures, including the German national team, his professorship in Berlin and of course his own institute in Schwetzingen, where athletes and businesses alike can go for mental coaching. Things certainly won't be boring for Hans-Dieter, but a piece of his heart will always remain blue and white!