Hoeneß speaks on Che's playing prospects: "Hopefully an option for us very quickly."
The break in Bundesliga action should give TSG 1899 Hoffenheim head-coach Sebastian Hoeneß a good chance to give newly acquired American youth international a good look.
Speaking at a Tuesday presser, Hoeneß indicated that he hoped to observe a rapid development from his new long-term-loan.
Speaking at a Tuesday presser, Hoeneß indicated that he hoped to observe a rapid development from his new long-term-loan.
| Justin Che. | Photo: TSG Hoffenheim |
The newly-acquired Justin Che, who has been called up to but not used at Gregg Berhalter's USMNT senior side, will remain in Sinsheim. Hoeneß hinted strongly that he planned to use the 18-year-old at Richards' position during a test fixture against SV Sanhausen. Asked when Che might be ready to contribute the the Hoffenheim first team, Hoeneß replied "I hope quickly".
"Che has a good combination of dynamism and essential elements for a defender," Hoeneß said, "He is flexible and can play on the right. On the inside, he can play at all three positions."
A specific reference to his preferred back-three seemed to suggest that Hoeneß hoped to integrate Che into the triple-chain as soon as possible. The former FCB II trainer actually left the Bayern campus before Che played for the Bayern reserves last year, but still expressed respect for what the teenager was able to demonstrate at his former team.
"He made a good impression at Bayern II in the third division," Hoeneß noted, "he made his presence felt there without any problems. He's an exciting player who can hopefully be an option for us very quickly."
Hoffenheim still have eight central defenders on the active roster. Yesterday, it was finally confirmed that the Kraichgauer finally gave up on one-time €2.7 million CB purchase Justin Hoogma. As expected, the Dutch center-halve's loan agreement with SpVgg Greuther Fürth was terminated.
Hoffenheim then sold the 23-year-old to Dutch club Heracles Almelo. Terms were not disclosed.