Interview with Andreas Beck

Hoffenheim seems to be facing a lot of problems off the pitch currently. Demba Ba refused to travel with the team to the winter training camp. What do you think of this behaviour as captain of the team?

I don't want to say too much on the subject. I find it sad, that Demba Ba doesn't want to play for 1899 Hoffenheim anymore. He took part in all of our matches so far this season and was a big part of the team. The clubs disciplinary committee are the only ones who can decide what happens next.

The sacking of Ralf Rangnick has also stirred up some controversy. What were the first few days of 2011 like for you?

They were definitely turbulent days, which makes a big change. We've got Marco Pezzaiuoli as our new manager, Luiz has moved to Munich and now we face losing Demba as well. The positive thing is that although we have a new manager we all know him well having worked with him in the past. However, this trip to Spain was perfect for the team to get away from all the distractions and concentrate on getting ourselves ready for the second half of the season.

No goals during the first friendly against Real Murcia, but are you still pleased with the overall performance and what have you taken from the game?

It was a decent match for us even if we didn't come out with the win. Our main focus was adapting the best we could to the new managers style of football. These types of matches are all about finding our rhythm and getting match practice under our belts.