- Participants Show Appreciation for Fans' Demonstrations at Hoffenheim
Midfielder Grischa Prömel doesn't view the TSG 1899 Hoffenheim footballers as the solution for the fan-club conflict. "I think as a team, we're not the ideal go-to people for that," stated the 29-year-old vice-captain post the 3-2 Bundesliga victory over Holstein Kiel.
"We ought to acknowledge the fans' discontent to some extent. Nonetheless, we're thrilled when they cheer for our goals and back us up. The fans are aware of our dependence on them," he further added.
Supporters of TSG protested against their club's recent staff decisions, including the exit of long-term manager Alexander Rosen, using numerous banners. No derogatory remarks were made. The fans in the south stand withheld their typical loud cheers for the Hoffenheim players throughout the match at the Sinsheim stadium. They only celebrated the players after the final whistle was blown.
"Where's your walkout?"
TSG executives had not dismissed the likelihood this week of a hardcore group of 20 to 40 ultras with hateful banners causing a game abandonment. "You're the only ones pushing for a walkout, so you don't come off as the foolish one," read one banner. And it was directed towards the management: "Where's your walkout?"
Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo was careful about the incidents. "My responsibility lies with the team, and that's what I can control. And the team had a very determined start to the Bundesliga today," he concluded.
Despite the fan-led protests at the Sinsheim stadium, Grischa Prömel and his teammates appreciated the fans' support during their goals and celebrated with them after the match. Regardless of the ongoing conflicts, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim's next game will be played in Sinsheim.
