And suddenly, Hoffenheim’s co-owner finds himself sitting face to face for the first time with the man who insulted him and called him a “wanker.”
This bizarre incident took place a week ago on Monday. It was an unexpected encounter that speaks for itself and illustrates the curious circumstances and power relations at TSG Hoffenheim.
Meeting with Dietmar Hopp
The power struggle between the two officials over the influence of player agent Roger Wittmann on the day-to-day business of TSG, the stadium ban imposed as a result, the court case, and ultimately the deadline for an appeal had proved fatal for both of them.
On this day, patron and shareholder Dietmar Hopp is meeting with his co-shareholder and club chairman Jörg Albrecht and sporting director Andreas Schicker. The discussion is likely to focus on whether and how things can continue with the remaining management team of Schicker and marketing boss Tim Jost.
Schicker torn between two options
According to reports, after about 20 minutes, the three-way conference must have taken a completely surprising, bizarre, and curious turn. Suddenly, none other than Roger Wittmann entered the scene. From then on, the former mayor of Sinsheim sat directly opposite the man who had proven to have insulted him and called him a “wanker.”
The same man against whom the fans would protest massively a few days later, among other things with a call for the arrest of “grandchild trick fraudster Wittmann,” and who is now taking legal action against this and feels that the club has not provided him with sufficient protection.
It is not too difficult to imagine Albrecht’s presumed astonishment and emotional state, and this incident alone characterizes and illustrates Wittmann’s self-image and his influence on Hopp and TSG. After all, Schicker, who had been a key witness in the trial, is also present.
And who, after receiving the lure of Red Bull Salzburg, is now wrestling with the question of whether he will be able to continue the project he initiated and which is now rolling in Kraichgau without interference and influence, or whether, given the circumstances, he sees the basis for a prosperous continuation of the work dwindling.
Wittmann’s demonstration of power could hardly have been more massive, clear, and brazen. In Hoffenheim, people can’t stop wondering and marveling.
