New leaders - now the focus turns to the three points

On Saturday, Hoffenheim's comeback begins as they face Borussia Mönchengladbach at the start of the second half of the season. “We are looking forward to finally getting underway”, said manager Marco Kurz in Thursday's press conference. He is well aware though, that it won't be easy to beat Gladbach. “Mönchengladbach represent the Bundesliga“, said Kurz.

Gladbach are a well-organised and compact side. Hoffenheim must be confident and assured in order to compete and integrate their game. “We will have to give it our all and more“, said Kurz.

Well before the first game in front of their home crowd at the start of the second half of the season, manager Marco Kurz announced that Andreas Beck and Sejad Salihovic, who were also at the press conference, will be co-captains of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. “Andreas Beck will wear the armband on the pitch, that we have agreed”, explained Kurz. “I expect every individual to take responsibility. Andreas Beck and Sejad Salihovic epitomise the readiness to take on this duty”, justified the manager of his dual leadership decision.

Wiese is the number one

Both players agreed that Gladbach are a difficult opening opponent, but that the squad has enough quality in it to claim three points. “We've trained really well over the last few weeks. What's important is that we are positive and give our all as a team”, explained Salihovic. Andreas Beck also spoke of a “good, intensive training camp. We have a different body language now thanks to the good results in the friendlies.”

The goalkeeper conundrum has also been solved – Tim Wiese will go into the second half of the season as the number one. “Tim is very committed and professional in all of the training sessions, as are all of our goalkeepers. With his class and experience, he will be an integral part of the side for the rest of the season”, explained the manager. Wiese, along with co-captains Beck and Salihovic, as well as Marvin Compper and Chris, will be part of a ‘team council' that has been selected by the players.

Marco Kurz will have to do without Sven Schipplock (Achilles) and Stephan Schröck (back), as well as the long-term injured Sebastian Rudy and Stefan Thesker for the match against Gladbach. Kevin Volland and Sejad Salihovic only underwent a light training session, although there should be nothing stopping them from playing on Saturday. Sporting director Andreas Müller hopes that, “we can reward ourselves for the hard work we put in over the winter break.”