Karlsruher achieved the Great Escape after staying in the division only on goal difference. Up until the final 2 rounds Karlsruher looked set for direct relegation due to their inability to win matches, but heroic effort to draw 3:3 vs. Arminia after trailing 0:3 followed by 2:1 away win vs. Greuther Furth in final game saved them.
Run of 7 consecutive draws between rounds 7 and 13, combined with 5 consecutive defeats in December and January logically saw coach Schwartz sacked in February and replaced by his assistant Christian Eichner for the rest of the campaign.
Soon after came the COVID-break and Eichner was really challenged to show his worth, which he did as Karlsruher’s form in May and June was what saved them. Lost just 2 of 9 games after the restart (W3 D4).
Survival would have been unthinkable without the goals of top scorer Hofmann, who never found proper support throughout the campaign. He was the only player to score regularly, no other team member managed to score more than 4 goals this season.
Marvin Wanitzek also had stellar campaign with his 12 assists, but the entire group of defenders struggled for form and only the bottom 3 teams conceded more than Karlsruher’s 56 goals!
It seems the team’s financial stability is secured and with Eichner given the job permanently Karlsruher are excited to build stronger squad for next season. With rich new sponsor found and already 3 key players extending their contracts the Blues eye much higher finish in 2020/21.
