analysis
Nobody is surprised that FC St. Pauli and Holstein Kiel are worried about staying in the league. Things are getting tight for VfL Bochum, TSG Hoffenheim is a problem child again.
The date in the new year has of course been noted: The sports court of the German Football Association (DFB) will deal with the objection of VfL Bochum against the scoring of the 1-1 draw at Union Berlin, with goalkeeper Patrick Drewes, in an oral hearing on January 9th was hit in the head by a lighter.
It is quite possible that the Revierklub will then get eight points in the table instead of six. Because at the green table three points go to the bottom of the table, who would then be level on points with Holstein Kiel. The verdict, that much is certain, will have an impact on the relegation battle.
First Bundesliga win on matchday 15
Bochum lit its first candle just in time before the turn of the year. With the home win against 1. FC Heidenheim (2-0), Dieter Hecking finally achieved their first Bundesliga success. Otherwise the commitment of the experienced football teacher would have been called into question again. “We’ve come a long way”stated Hecking.
It was clear to everyone that deep in the West it would be a difficult season despite the miraculous rescue in the relegation against Fortuna Düsseldorf. The show of strength did not prevent the strongest players (Kevin Stöger, Patrick Osterhage and Takuma Asano) from leaving this summer.
Deciding on coach Peter Zeidler should be a misunderstanding because the former Ralf Rangnick student’s pressing teachings didn’t work due to a lack of quality. Hecking took over, but it took longer than expected to find the right adjustment screws. There are still 19 game days left to turn things around in the district.
Exclamation mark of the newcomers
At the same time, Holstein Kiel and FC St. Pauli also made people sit up and take notice with remarkable victories on the last match day of the year. The swansong for the newcomers was definitely premature. Led by double packers Phil Harres and Shuto Machino, the Kielers went to the sounds of Mariah Careys All I want for Christmas is you on the lap of honor after the home win against FC Augsburg (5:1).
At the same time, FC St. Pauli celebrated an important away win at VfB Stuttgart (1-0). Match winner Johannes Eggestein and his teammates carried out their coup in the Stuttgart arena, which was darkened for Christmas, as if the Christ Child had already promised that they would stay in the league. Hope doesn’t die so quickly in the neighborhood.
1. FC Heidenheim is in a tight spot
On the Swabian Ostalb, on the other hand, the worry lines are large. As exciting as the story of 1. FC Heidenheim was with its surprising entry into the European Cup, this first half of the season was sobering, especially for long-running favorite Frank Schmidt. Despite the rotation in the Conference League, everyday life in the Bundesliga could not be prevented from suffering. “The backpack is getting bigger and bigger,” complained goalkeeper Kevin Müller recently.
Only ten points is a measly return considering the effort put in. After the departures of Tim Kleindienst, Jan-Niklas Beste and Eren Dinkci, players who make the difference with their individual class are missing. The playoff games against FC Copenhagen won’t make things any easier for Heidenheim in the new year. After all: Boss Holger Sanwald knows exactly where this club comes from. There is no unrest in the management team.
The situation with the competition is different. TSG Hoffenheim made so many changes at the personnel level that it was difficult to keep track. Even a new coach (Christian Ilzer) and new manager (Andreas Schicker) have not brought about any improvement. Considering the general conditions and the equipment, it is almost ridiculous how badly the village club from Kraichgau, bred by billionaire Dietmar Hopp, is doing with only 14 points.
Disappointed TSG Hoffenheim players
Union Berlin had completely different goals
FC Augsburg and Union Berlin also have different demands than a relegation battle. The Iron Men have been waiting for a win across all competitions for nine games. Coach Bo Svensson is almost in as bad a mood as he was at the end of his time at FSV Mainz 05.
The Dane has to fear for his job because sports director Horst Heldt did not want to make a commitment after the bankruptcy at Werder Bremen (1:4). The effort seemed all too staid. If the liberation strike against Heidenheim and Augsburg is not achieved quickly in the new year, Heldt may take action.
Incendiary speech at FC Augsburg
The poverty of play is also alarming at the FCA. Somehow the Fuggerstadters have always managed to stay above the line since promotion in 2011, but Jess Thorup should actually do more than stay in the league. Typical case of fallacy.
Striker Philipp Tietz made it clear in an emotional incendiary speech that there may be more to the matter: “It has to really bang because it can’t go on like this.” That certainly didn’t sound contemplative just before Christmas. The relegation battle will once again be a nervous affair in 2024/2025.