Sandro Wagner Reflects on Hoffenheim Ahead of Bundesliga Clash

Sandro Wagner, the former professional player for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, is set to return to his old club this weekend. Currently with FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga, Wagner will face Hoffenheim in an afternoon matchup. His 18-month tenure at Hoffenheim from 2016 to 2017 revitalized his career, leading to a transfer back to Bayern Munich and several call-ups to the German national team in his 30s.

Given his history with the club, Wagner holds a distinctly positive perspective on Hoffenheim and its controversial patron, Dietmar Hopp, unlike many others in Germany. In a pre-match press conference, Wagner shared thoughtful insights about his former team and their current challenges involving Hopp’s administration and fan relations.

“TSG was a very important part of my life, and it’s also a very cool club,” Wagner remarked. “One doesn’t see that from the outside, but if you’re part of it, you encounter many wonderful people working there—from grassroots levels to Dietmar Hopp himself. I collaborated with a lot of great individuals during my time there.

“I owe my transition to Bayern to Hopp,” Wagner added. “I consider him a remarkable person. I have a strong connection to the club, and I hold it in high regard. Additionally, I must commend what [head coach Christian] Ilzer and [sporting director Andreas] Schicker have achieved; it’s nothing short of outstanding. It’s a formidable club, and we anticipate a challenging away fixture.”