Jonas Hofmann was the central figure in the offensive game of Gladbach Borussia in the 2-2 win against Werder Bremen. The 30-year-old showed a strong reaction to not being considered for the upcoming internationals.
The mainspring of the Gladbach game: Jonas Hofmann (right), who overtakes Anthony Jung here.
IMAGO/Jan Huebner
Whenever things got dangerous, Jonas Hofmann had his feet in the game. Almost every promising attack by the Fohlenelf on Friday evening went through the offensive man, who also saved once in his own penalty area against Niclas Füllkrug. At the end of the busy 90 minutes, the statistics spit out an impressive number: A total of ten (!) of his team’s 21 shots on goal were assisted by Hofmann, a top figure. The assist to 1-0 by Marcus Thuram went to his account. And he finished dangerously himself, around the 55th minute, when he failed to hit the ball properly after a cross from Joe Scally and then, on the second shot attempt, was able to clear Mitchell Weiser just before the goal line. “Felt,” said Hofmann, “I was just missing the goal.”
Of course you have to accept that, but at first you are disappointed.
Jonas Hofmann on his non-consideration
Even so, the appearance against Bremen was the best self-promotion, especially with a view to Hofmann’s national team ambitions. Hofmann’s name was missing on Friday when national coach Hansi Flick announced his squad for the upcoming international matches against Peru and Belgium. A disappointment for the world championship driver. “Hansi Flick called me and explained it to me. He would like to give the established players a break and give others a chance in March,” explained Gladbach’s top scorer (eight goals, ten assists). “Of course you have to accept that, but at first you’re disappointed. For me, playing for Germany was always the greatest thing from the start. I hope you feel that too.”
Color full of praise
In any case, his club coach is convinced that Hofmann’s door to the DFB selection is still open. “I am sure that if he continues like this, he will have a really good future in the national team,” said Daniel Farke after the Bremen game. And afterwards he sent a lot of praise to his most important offensive player: “Jonas performance was really good. He worked a lot for the team, created a lot and prepared the first goal really well.”
