Alfred Schreuder is the new TSG head coach

"We've worked intensively and calmly on implementing a solution that is ideal for us and we're very happy to now be able to disclose the facts," said Alexander Rosen. "As we've had clarity regarding the head coach position for some while, we were able to use the time to prepare carefully and approach the recruitment process with great patience and intensity," added the director of football. "Alfred is familiar with our structures and the majority of the team. In addition, his outstanding expertise as well as his strategic, clear and communicative manner have made a decisive contribution to our recent success. I'm personally looking forward to establishing a close and trusting working relationship with Alfred as we continue to work to develop our team."

In addition to Rosen, the two managing directors Frank Briel and Dr. Peter Görlich were both involved in the recruitment process. "From the beginning, our discussions were characterised by real trust and mutual appreciation," said Görlich, who believes Schreuder possesses a strong and mature personality that "suits the objectives and values of TSG". He added that the decision to hire Alfred Schreuder is a clear commitment to continuing the direction that has been pursued in recent years. "Due to the lengthy preparation period, we were able to comprehensively discuss all relevant matters in a manner that was targeted and geared towards achieving the optimal result. Alfred already possesses the DNA of our club and is an excellent fit for us both in technical and personal terms," added Frank Briel, who views Schreuder as the best fit for the "Hoffenheim brand" and explicitly thanked the officials at Ajax for their cooperation and the uncomplicated way in which they dealt with the matter.

Schreuder: "I'm full of ambition"

"I'm really looking forward to the task in Hoffenheim and I know it's a big challenge, but that's what really appeals to me about the position," said Alfred Schreuder. He continued: "I'm very eager to make my own mark as a head coach and to continue the recent success story. Of course, it will be helpful that I know the structures of the club as well as all the people involved." As well as being enticed by the sporting challenge, the prospect of returning to the Kraichgau appealed to Schreuder too. "In my first spell here I really grew to love not only TSG but the surrounding region as well, and I'm naturally satisfied that my family will now be accompanying me on my return."

However, the future Hoffenheim boss has no intention of forgetting his current club, where he has occupied a position of great responsibility and made a key contribution to the impressive progress of recent years. "I'd like to thank Ajax, especially sporting director Marc Overmars, for their cooperation, understanding and willingness to grant my wish. They offered me a big opportunity to coach a young, motivated and highly talented team that took on board and implemented our ideas," said the Dutchman, as he reflected on his time with the Eredivisie club, the highlight of which came recently as they knocked serial winners Real Madrid out of the Champions League in the Round of 16.

Hopp: "Alfred left a lasting impression"

"Alfred Schreuder has already done outstanding work in his time as an assistant at Hoffenheim, where his personality left a lasting impression. Immediately after the announcement of Julian's departure, Alfred Schreuder became one of the leading candidates for the coaching role. I'm delighted that it's now worked out. He's already proven that he represents a style of football that sets TSG Hoffenheim apart: brave, energetic, offensive," said TSG shareholder Dietmar Hopp.

Alfred Schreuder ended an exciting playing career in the winter of 2009. His previous clubs included Feyenoord, RKC Waalwijk, NAC Breda, FC Twente Enschede and Vitesse Arnheim, where he cut his coaching teeth as an assistant. As a player, Schreuder made 338 appearances in the Eredivisie and 32 in the Eerste Divisie. In the summer of 2009, he returned to Enschede as the assistant to coach Steve McClaren. Following the 2012 European Championship, Schreuder additionally took on the role of assistant coach with the Dutch national team under Bert van Marwijk. His first position as a head coach came at FC Twente in February 2013 and lasted for two years.

First spell at TSG from 2015 to 2018

Schreuder came to TSG Hoffenheim at the end of October 2015 to work as Huub Stevens' assistant. He remained in the role even after his compatriot had stepped down due to a heart problem and worked alongside Julian Nagelsmann after he took over the relegation-embattled club in February 2016. On 4 January 2018, Schreuder requested that his contract be terminated so that he could return to his homeland and his family.