Things didn’t go as planned for Hoffenheim and they were unable to build on last season’s achievements. Personnel problems due to injury and Covid didn’t help their cause and they eventually finished in 11th place.
It was a positive start for new coach Sebastian Hoeneß and his side, with two wins from their opening two games, this included a 4-1 thumping of Champions Bayern.
The good early form quickly diminished and Hoffenheim only won 1 of their next 10 league games, injuries and players having to self-isolate due to Covid meant they struggled to find stability.
Hoeneß was having to constantly change his side, especially in defensive areas, where Bicakcic, Hubner, Akpoguma and Kaderabek were missing for long spells.
The Europa League provided a welcome relief for Hoffenheim and a successful group stage saw them reach the last 32, where they were eventually beaten by Norwegian club Molde.
Hoffenheim’s league form continued to disappoint and there was even talk of relegation going into early April but an unbeaten last 7 games enabled a comfortable finish to the season.
You do wonder where Hoffenheim would have ended up without the goals of Andrej Kramaric. The Croatian had a great season in front of goal, scoring 20 goals in his 28 appearances.
As far as next season is concerned, Hoeneß will be hoping for a lot more luck with injuries and maybe a few additions to the squad. Keeping the prolific front-man Kramaric will also be difficult and could be key to their progress.
