display
Sinsheim (dpa) - The 18-year-old double scorer Maximilian Beier smiled almost embarrassed when he left the field.
TSG Hoffenheim used the last group game in the Europa League for a talent show and is now looking forward to the draw for the first knockout phase on Monday.
Sports director Alexander Rosen and coach Sebastian Hoeneß were visibly proud of the team after the 4: 1 (2: 0) against KAA Gent on Thursday evening.
“That was really a game that I really enjoyed: intense against the ball, creative with the ball.
A lot of fun in football - that's what they broadcast, "said Hoeneß about his greatly rejuvenated squad.
display
Of course, Rosen didn't forget to mention that six players from their own academy were on the pitch: "That's a great sign."
That the former village club will winter in the European Cup for the first time was already clear before the table meaningless game.
The Bundesliga team remained unbeaten in the sixth preliminary round match and landed their fifth victory against the weak Belgians.
“Maxi” Beier (21. Minute / 49th), born in Brandenburg an der Havel, later in the youth of Energie Cottbus and since 2018 in Kraichgau, scored his first two professional goals.
Robert Skov (26th) and substitute Andrej Kramaric (64th) also met.
"We had ten changes to the last game and then deliver something like that," said Rosen appreciatively.
The team wanted to take the game seriously, "the boys showed that from the first minute".
Beier recommended himself as an alternative in the already versatile attack by TSG.
"He has now shown himself, stretched his arm up and figuratively said: Here I am!" Praised Hoeneß.
Behind Beier on the left wing, Marco John also impressed - without any Bundesliga experience - in an unusual position.
"Marco is welcome to continue like this," said the head coach about the home-grown produce from the region.
display
Significantly, U21 national player Dennis Geiger was also the captain that evening in Sinsheim when he was only 22.
From behind, Philipp Pentke loudly directed the host team: The goalkeeper made his European Cup debut as a representative of Oliver Baumann at the age of 35.
"You saw what kind of morality and character the team is," said the keeper.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 201211-99-650518 / 2
Team TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
display
Schedule TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Squad KAA Gent
Matches and results Europa League
Tables Europa League
Voices on Hoffenheim's homepage