HOFFENHEIM
Coach on his way
This season will be highly significant for the German outfit, with their first-ever sip from the Champions League cup and something of a farewell tour for coach Julian Nagelsmann, who at the end of the campaign will take charge of RB Leipzig.
But while the 31-year-old is a fine man-manager, has he made an error in announcing his departure so early and will his authority be weakened?
One of Nagelsmann’s strengths is his organisational flexibility and his side are comfortable in any number of system variations, although 3-5-2 is his favoured template. Early this year, following a poor run of results, he opted for a makeover, ditching a pro-active possession game for a counter-heavy approach.
Are injuries going to be a problem?
There are long-term issues concerning attacking midfielders Nadiem Amiri and Kerem Demirbay. The former, one of the most promising young schemers in the country, could be out until mid-November after a stress fracture in his left foot, while Demirbay ruptured ankle ligaments in a pre-season friendly.
Who will replace last season’s top scorer Mark Uth, who left in the summer for Schalke?
Probably Joelinton, who recently returned from a two-year loan spell at Rapid Vienna. The Brazilian is an excellent combination of muscular old school centre-forward and silky technique.