Frank Kramer: "TSG can make dominating look easy"

As TSG Hoffenheim are one of the biggest exporters of players and coaches in the professional game, it seems like almost every home game is a reunion with familiar faces. And that will be the case once again on Sunday, when Arminia Bielefeld take to the field at the PreZero Arena at 17:30 CET (live updates on tsg-hoffenheim.de). This time, it is a former coach, Frank Kramer, returning to Kraichgau – and he is an absolute expert of all things TSG. Kramer, now 49, coached the Hoffenheim Regionalliga team between 2011 and 2013 and during this time even took charge of the TSG first team for two matches – a team which included Sebastian Rudy. Despite two defeats, Kramer looks back fondly on his first experiences in the top tier. "I was able to take charge for my first Bundesliga match at TSG, and I am very grateful for that. That is one of the many reasons why I have plenty of great memories of Hoffenheim." But home fans cannot expect any gifts from their guests on Sunday, as Kramer emphasises: "Nevertheless, we as Arminia Bielefeld have an away match in front of us, and we want to be successful."

That is something Arminia have had plenty of experience of in recent weeks. Bielefeld, who were regarded by many experts as a candidate for relegation, are the only Bundesliga team to be unbeaten in calendar year 2022 and lie 15th – four points clear of relegation on 22 points. New additions like Gonzalo Castro have proved to be real hits, and the mood is good in East Westphalia, as Kramer noted with satisfaction: "I put the strength down to the homogeneity. Our boys give it their all the pitch – together and for each other. We have been able to come together as a team. We have an iron will to continue this consistently in the coming games and, with the confidence we have gained, we want to be successful in Hoffenheim."

Kramer still has the greatest respect for his former club – something that has not changed despite the fact that TSG have gone several games without a win recently. "Hoffenheim always look to play. This is a team that is very variable and flexible both in the build-up play and up front. They are technically excellent and can make dominating look easy. That is exactly what we want to defend against, and we want to disrupt that idea. We have to get in front of the opposing goal before they have a chance to get set up. It will have to be very fast."

Samir Arabi, sporting director and architect of Bielefeld's success, also had praise for TSG: "The people in charge have done a very good job in recent years. We are talking about a team missing Kramarić. Our offensive players have also developed enormously. But at TSG, they have quite a few more options than we have at our disposal. Even though Hoffenheim have the financial resources at their disposal, it is about using those resources well – and that is exactly what Alexander Rosen and his team have succeeded in. This is not envy – just recognition."

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