Graz Hoffenheim-Reaktionen spark excitement after EL-Auslosung
In a bustling press conference, TSG Hoffenheim unveiled its Graz Hoffenheim-Reaktionen after the EL-Auslosung, revealing a colourful Europa-League-Ligaphase that pits them against Olympique Lyon, Olympiakos Piräus, Ferencvaros Budapest and a highly‑anticipated reunion with Sturm Graz. The draw also slots Anderlecht, Crystal Palace, Besiktas Istanbul and OFI Kreta into the itinerary, promising a demanding schedule.
The Auslosung handed TSG Hoffenheim a set of Gegner that reads like a tour of European tradition. Among the clubs drawn is a familiar Klub with a special Verbindung to the club’s staff. The Wiedersehen with Sturm Graz has already sparked Vorfreude among the Verantwortlichen, and the Reaktion to the Los was immediate. Die excitement is palpable and Auch the media are buzzing.
Sport‑Geschäftsführer Andreas Schicker, who spent several years in Graz before joining Hoffenheim, admitted the personal link coloured his Reaktion. “I received WhatsApp messages the moment we were drawn against Sturm Graz,” he said, adding that the Begegnung feels like a homecoming. Die emotionale Verbindung makes the draw besonders for him.
Trainer Christian Ilzer also shares a past with the Austrian side, having guided Sturm to the 2024 championship. His Wiedersehen with the club adds another layer of intrigue, and he described the upcoming Partie as a test of both tactics and sentiment. Auch the fans look forward to the clash.
Road map for the Ligaphase
Hoffenheim’s Europa‑League‑Ligaphase will see them host Olympique Lyon, Ferencvaros Budapest, Sturm Graz and Besiktas Istanbul, while travelling to Olympiakos Piräus, Anderlecht, Crystal Palace in London and OFI Kreta. The schedule offers a blend of historic Gegner and fresh challenges across the continent, promising a varied Ligaphase.
Schicker’s personal link
Leverkusen will also be in Greece, meaning Hoffenheim shares the journey to Crete with a fellow German side. The joint trip underscores the logistical demands of the Europa‑League campaign and highlights how the club must balance domestic duties with this demanding European itinerary. Auch the travel adds to the anticipation.
The Ligaphase begins in mid‑September, and the question remains where TSG Hoffenheim will finish after this demanding schedule. The Europa competition remains a rewarding challenge, and the club’s officials stress that the Europa‑League remains a rewarding competition, and they look forward to testing themselves against each opponent.