In preparation for the important basement duel on Friday evening in Augsburg (8.30 p.m.), the new TSG coach can rely on fresh strength.
Hoffenheim’s Pavel Kaderabek has overcome his thigh problems.
IMAGO/Michael Weber
The hospital clears. After Angelo Stiller (after calf problems) returned to Hoffenheim’s squad last Saturday against Leverkusen, two important veterans were able to resume training. The new TSG coach Pellegrino Matarazzo can rely on Pavel Kaderabek and Kevin Vogt when Hoffenheim travel to the relegation duel with FC Augsburg on Friday.
Kaderabek has overcome his back right thigh problem and could help stabilize the recently vulnerable right flank. The Czechs have also been seen playing on the left flank, where huge gaps opened up with the weak Angelino last time out against Leverkusen. Kevin Akpoguma may also be able to help out on the left if Kaderabek returns to his right side. In a more offensive variant, attacker Ihlas Bebou had recently taken on the role of right “joker”.
After all, TSG will have to do without Robert Skov, who can also play on both sides, for a longer period of time. In contrast to Stiller, the Dane’s calf injury turned out to be more serious, so Skov is likely to miss Hoffenheim a few more games.
Vogt would be important for the combination flow
Even more important for Matarazzo would be the comeback of defender Kevin Vogt. Because the new TSG coach had announced that he would again rely on the playful strengths of his team. The 31-year-old would be an important building block in order to be the nucleus in the opening of the game, so that the team can find its way back to the flow of combinations that it lost completely in the end.
Augsburg had courted Vogt fiercely
FC Augsburg, of all people, wanted to secure these strengths as a player opener a good year and a half ago. Back in the summer of 2021, the Augsburg Vogt tried to lure him with a four-year contract. The courted man had seriously dealt with the subject, but the change had failed because it was unclear to the end whether Florian Grillitsch Hoffenheim’s second game opener at the time would move to AC Milan.
Other Augsburg efforts to sign Vogt on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 were also unsuccessful, in January Vogt had extended his contract in Hoffenheim until 2025. Now the native of Witten should help TSG out of their misery, which is already two points behind FCA. Vogt had recently taken a break due to a torn thigh muscle and also had to abandon an early re-entry against VfB Stuttgart (2-2) at half-time. Now the second half of the season should also start late for Vogt.
