“Anchoring in our projects”
©IMAGO
TSG Hoffenheim keeps one of the reasons why things are going so well this season beyond the summer. Vladimír Coufal, who initially only came for the current season last year, has signed a new contract, as the Kraichgauer confirmed on Tuesday without providing any information on the new duration. The 33-year-old Czech is one of the best passers in the Bundesliga.
“Vlad brings enormous experience and gives our team a lot of stability on the right side,” Andreas Schicker, TSG Hoffenheim’s general director of sports, said in a club statement regarding Coufal’s extension. « With his professionalism, his mentality and of course his achievements, he is an important part of our team, both on and off the field. He takes responsibility, leads the way and is also a role model for our young players. We are very happy to continue our journey with him, because Vlad is an absolute anchor in our plans. »
At the start of the season, Coufal joined TSG on a free transfer after his contract with West Ham United in England expired. With this short-term signing, Hoffenheim responds to the serious ankle injury of Valentin Gendrey, hired as right-back a year earlier for nearly 10 million euros. Instead, Coufal not only played well, but also became an excellent passer with seven assists in 22 games.
Only five Bundesliga players – including teammate Wouter Burger (24) – have contributed more assists than Coufal this season (for the ranking). Three other players also appeared seven times as trainers, including TSG youngster Bazoumana Touré (19 years old). With Borussia Dortmund, Hoffenheim has the second strongest offensive in the Bundesliga after FC Bayern with 47 goals scored each.
Coufal already has experience for TSG’s Champions League ambitions, recently supported by veteran Andrej Kramaric. At Slavia Prague, the international played six matches against BVB, Barcelona and Inter Milan. In addition to his 147 matches in the Premier League and 173 matches in the national Chance League. In the Europa League, he made 36 appearances for the Czech capital club as well as Slovan Liberec and West Ham United.
