Hoeneß laments end of Nordtveit's Bundesliga career: "He didn't deserve to go out like that."
After 228 appearances in Germany's top footballing flight, Havard Nordtveit's Bundesliga career came to a tragic end on Saturday afternoon.
After answering questions about another disappointing result for his team, TSG Hoffenheim trainer Sebastian Hoeneß expressed sympathy for the Norwegian veteran.
Next season's European dream continues to slip away from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. A 2-2 draw away at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday afternoon extended the club's winless run to six games. Wins for Union Berlin and 1. FC Köln leave Sebastian Hoeneß' Kraichgauer mired in 8th place, four points off the final Europa League qualification spot.
After answering questions about another disappointing result for his team, TSG Hoffenheim trainer Sebastian Hoeneß expressed sympathy for the Norwegian veteran.
"The result isn't good enough for us," Hoeneß acknowledged afterwards, "not in light of the results at the other stadiums. We had the better chances in the second half, but it wasn't to be."
"It hurts and it's bitter," Hoeneß added, "but we're not giving up."
A great deal didn't swing the way of the Kraichgauer on Saturday afternoon.
After a rather humiliating appearance two rounds back, Hoeneß wished to give the soon-to-depart Harvard Nordtveit another chance at ending his Bundesliga career on a high note.
Subbed on at the half, the 31-year-old had to exit in the 89th after sustaining a season-ending thigh injury.
"It's structural," Honeneß confirmed at the post-match presser afterward, "It's tragic with 'Howie'. I just have to say that. He's an incredible team player who didn't deserve to go out like that."
Nordtveit made a total of 228 Bundesliga appearances for Hoffenheim, 1. FC Nürnberg, and Borussia Mönchengladbach. His five years with Gladbach--during the club's revival between 2011 and 2016--will likely serve as the most the most memorable part of his German football career.
The Norwegian international will be headed back to his native country after the season.