Bundesliga
Hoffenheim part company with Hoeneß
Hoffenheim have parted company with head coach Sebastian Hoeneß after two years at the helm.
Hoeneß, 40, took over in Sinsheim at the start of the 2020/21 season after guiding the Bayern Munich reserves to the third division title. He oversaw 81 matches in charge of Hoffenheim and finishes with a record of 32 wins, 19 draws and 30 losses.
“This was not an easy decision,” said director of first-team football, Alexander Rosen. “We began our analysis even before the final matchday and have to admit that the results and events of the past two months have overshadowed much of the many positive aspects that this season had and that took us up to fourth place at one point.
“The all-important question we had to ask ourselves after these negative impressions was whether we as a club could start a new season unencumbered in this setup. After in-depth discussions, we jointly answered this question in the negative. We’d like to thank Sebastian for his work and wish him all the best for his future coaching career.”
The son of former striker Dieter and nephew of ex-Bayern president Uli, Hoeneß had never previously coached at senior level before taking the reins at the PreZero Arena. His first season in charge saw TSG finish in 11th place. This campaign they finished ninth, six points off European qualification.
The highlight of his tenure was without doubt a 4-1 victory over Bayern in his second game in charge, inflicting the newly crowned European champions’ first defeat in over nine months.
Watch: How Hoeneß masterminded Hoffenheim's defeat of 32-game unbeaten Bayern
“After a detailed discussion with Alexander Rosen and the club's management yesterday afternoon, we jointly agreed to end our cooperation,” Hoeneß said in the official statement of his departure.
“The past two seasons were marked by adverse circumstances, but also by successes. In the past weeks, we have conducted an intensive analysis of our joint work and have not found a consensus on the future direction. Therefore, from my point of view, an amicable separation is logical. I would like to expressly thank Alex Rosen, the team, the management and all employees for their trusting cooperation and wish TSG and its fans all the best and much success for the future.”