Akpoguma: "We have to get fire in our bones"

Numerous coaches have deployed Kevin Akpoguma at TSG Hoffenheim, Christian Ilzer is now the seventh to place his trust in the centre-back. "We're professionals and have to do our job - no matter who the coach is," says the 29-year-old in his SPIELFELD interview, in which he explains why a change of coach always offers an opportunity: "If you perform well in training, then there will be chances. You just have to make the most of them." Akpoguma has words of praise for his new head coach: "Chris strikes a good balance. He is very clear in his philosophy and has a very agreeable way of going about things."

The defensive specialist joined TSG in 2013 and has come a long way since then, maturing from a young talent into a leader in the dressing room. "I've walked the TSG path myself," says Akpoguma, who is also aware of the consequences of promoting talent. "Our most important feature is and remains the academy. That's what makes TSG Hoffenheim what it is."

The eight-time Nigerian international hopes that under the new coach there will be more enthusiasm surrounding TSG again. "We have to get fire in our bones. We have to make a statement with our style of play and the club's philosophy. How can we get neutral spectators interested in TSG? The best way to do that is with attractive football and good results." 

Also in the December issue TSG Hoffenheim's club magazine SPIELFELD: Christian Ilzer is profiled in a guest article and Haris Tabaković answers questions in "No comment". Arthur Chaves's German roots are revealed. TSG goalkeeper Laura Dick talks about her development, the series ‘Our Neighbours’ visits SV Alemannia Sattelbach and the work of the children's prospects team is explained. This and much more in the latest issue.