Coach André Breitenreiter sees the collective defensive work as the key to the current success of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. The Kraichgauers have only conceded eight goals this season, five of them on the first two matchdays.
Breitenreiter has an explanation for this. “It’s a mixture of many aspects. Our transfers are absolute hits. We’ve also managed to work on defensive behavior. Everyone plays the ball in a very disciplined manner. It starts up front in the storm,” said the 49-year-old before the Duel with Werder Bremen this Friday (8:30 p.m. / DAZN).
The TSG defense will be particularly challenged against the promoted team, as the promoted team is currently the second-best attacker in the league with 18 goals. This is mainly due to the strong offensive duo Niclas Füllkrug and Marvin Ducksch. Breitenreiter knows both well. He trained filling pitcher in Hanover, Ducksch at SC Paderborn.
Due to his strong performance, Füllkrug was recently brought up for discussion by numerous experts for the World Cup. Breitenreiter can also imagine a nomination for the 29-year-old. “He’s a player with great qualities in the penalty area. That makes him an interesting personality, also for the World Cup,” said the TSG coach.