Hoffenheim finish the season with a success as they qualified for the Europa League, thus performing better than during famed ex-coach Nagelsmann’s last season. However, this campaign still presented itself as a rollercoaster, which culminated in the dismissal of new coach Alfred Schreuder.
Hoffenheim had previously played a decent campaign despite struggling with the loss of key players before the season and several injuries throughout. After a series of five victories in a row, amongst others, against Bayern Munich, Hoffenheim peaked in 5th position on match day 11.
The new coach also managed to integrate several up-and-coming players well. Christoph Baumgartner, Sargis Adamyan, Stefan Posch and winter acquisition Munas Dabbur played a great season next to established top performers such as Andrej Kramaric.
Yet, Schreuder’s tactics have been criticised for being too volatile: he used eight different formations throughout the season and played striker Skov as a full back.
Still Hoffenheim’s attacking game remained uninspired and slow. The squad had difficulties scoring from open play.
This might have entailed the bad home record with three times as many defeats as on the road. Moreover, the squad didn’t perform consistently. The series of five victories mid-season was followed by four games without a win.
All this might have played a role in Schreuder’s surprising dismissal. His successors, led by former assistant coach Matthias Kaltenbach managed to defend Hoffenheim's Europa League spot with four victories from the last five games. The Kraichgauer still haven’t confirmed their new coach for the next season, though. They will also have to enhance their squad for the Europa League.
