Schicker: "We need to stand together"

Andreas Schicker, we've finished the first half of the 2024/25 season in 16th place in the table and are thus in the relegation play-off place. How do you assess the disappointing first half of the current campaign from a sporting perspective?

"We're of course all disappointed. Fourteen points from 17 games is definitely not the standard we set. But we all have to accept the situation now, realise that this season can only be about staying in the division and put all our energies towards achieving this goal after 34 rounds of matches. We made a conscious decision in November to make a sporting change at TSG and it was clear to all of us that this new path would not be an easy one."

Where do we now need to start in order to get out of this challenging sporting situation?

"Above all, we need to stand together now. Because we can only get out of this situation together. The team, the coaching staff, the employees and the fans. We need unconditional solidarity throughout the entire club. Personal sensitivities must not play a role in the fight to avoid relegation; the collective is the only thing that matters. If we take heed of that, I'm convinced that we will stay in the Bundesliga in the end."

After the bitter 5-0 defeat away to FC Bayern on the final matchday of the first-half season, the frustration ran very deep for everyone. Andrej Kramarić gave free rein to his emotions in his post-match interviews. How do you view his comments?

"Andrej has been at TSG for so long that – as a leading player and record goalscorer here in Hoffenheim – he is allowed to express criticism. I spoke very openly with Andrej today about his statements; we cleared up the misunderstandings and set out a joint path forward for the rest of the season."