5 Talking Points from Matchweek 15 of the Bundesliga

#1 What’s going on at Hoffenheim?

1899 Hoffenheim Training Session and Press Conference

One team that did qualify for the UEFA Champions League last season was Julian Nagelsmann’s TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, and while their form this season isn’t a cause for concern just yet, their run of just two wins in nine Bundesliga games needs addressing.

Their latest defeat coming away at newly-promoted Hannover 96 on Sunday afternoon, Nagelsmann has yet to be able to get this Hoffenheim side fulfilling their potential this season.

While injuries to key players haven’t helped the cause, the front three of Hoffenheim’s attack haven’t been as prolific as they were last season, despite the addition of Serge Gnabry.

Built around a good defence last season, Hoffenheim have already conceded 20 goals in just 15 games while their +5-goal difference could play a major role in deciding who gets into Europe, if they finish on level points with another team come May.

Despite sitting sixth, one thing that Hoffenheim do have going for them at the minute, is Nagelsmann. His rise to the top has been a great narrative for the past 18 months but it will take some persuading to keep him at the club next season.

The 30-year-old is widely expected to be Jupp Heynckes’ successor at Bayern Munich while the uncertainty around Borussia Dortmund is also likely to create a tug-of-war throughout the summer.