Hoffenheim chief reacts to Kramaric's fierce criticism

In a remarkable interview with ESPN following Hoffenheim's 5-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern München, club veteran Andrej Kramaric vented his frustration at what has been a tough season for the Sinsheim club.

“I don't even want to talk about the game, because for me it was clear that this would happen. This is a picture of the whole season… this one big shit season," Kramaric fumed.

“I'm going to be honest. And I'm still soft because if I want to say the truth and some things that are on my mind about the club and the situation, I will probably get the biggest punishment in the history of the Bundesliga."

Whether Kramaric's emotional outburst will have any consequences for him remains to be seen, but Hoffenheim's chairman of the board, Dr. Markus Schütz, has expressed some understanding for his comments.

"It's understandable that frustration builds up, and it's actually a positive thing when the players are emotionally involved. And we all hope that this emotionality will translate into constructive energy in the coming games," Schütz told Kicker.

Having slipped to 16th in the Bundesliga, Hoffenheim now prepare for a crunch clash with Holstein Kiel, who are three points behind them in 17th place.

But even if Hoffenheim don't get the result they're hoping for against Kiel, the club's sporting management and head coach Christian Ilzer will continue to receive full support.

"Even though we are going through a difficult phase, we will continue on this path," said Schütz before emphasizing: 

“We still have a full second half of the season to play, and 51 points are still up for grabs.”