The long road to TSG Hoffenheim

Bastian Huber may be new at TSG - but the club is far from uncharted territory for the 40-year-old. The new Head of Scouting's relationship with the club stretches back several years. Many moons ago, the two parties talked about a possible collaboration, but it wasn't until last summer that Huber finally made the move to the Kraichgau. This marked the start of an exciting new chapter for the former teacher. ''I have very close ties to TSG. I've often considered joining the club. Now it's a reality,'' says Huber.

Although his new role at TSG represents ''a special challenge'', the decision to join the club was one which required painstaking consideration. For the father of two, packing in his job as a teacher and moving from his home in Passau to the Kraichgau was a tough step to take - one which required dedication, courage and, not to mention, trust in TSG. ''It was a process. You don't just give up a steady job as a civil servant, especially not if you're someone in my situation. I was in a stable place and I chose to leave it. But I knew the club so well and I was well aware of how great an opportunity I had. I probably wouldn't have done this for any other club. I am proud to represent the values espoused by TSG.''

It goes without saying that wife Kristina also had a big influence: "We made the decision together and have managed to find an arrangement that works well for all of us. Things are going great, my family is helping me a lot." Equipped with so much support, Huber began his job as Head of Scouting in July - in the middle of what was arguably the most action-packed summer transfer window in the history of TSG. Big-name players left the club, talented new ones came to replace them - Huber was at the heart of it all.

''It was a very challenging time''

Huber knew exactly what to expect. "It was a very challenging time. There was no real regular daily routine in the summer - everything was in flux. Looking back on it now, you definitely learn a lot from an experience like that." Once the transfer window closed, other projects rose to the top of the agenda: "Recently, we've been working on new strategies in order to optimise a few of our processes. At the same time, it's important to maintain stability. TSG is not a club in need of a complete overhaul: it's a well-established club with incredible infrastructure and top working conditions. The scouting department is a big part of that."

In this new role, Huber doesn't just rely on the support of his TSG colleagues; he can also draw on many years worth of experience and a large network of contacts. The Bavarian holds an A-licence coaching badge and was previously responsible for organising training courses at the Association of German Football Teachers (BDFL).

In addition, Huber previously worked at the academy of second-tier club Greuther Fürth. And let's not forget his own playing career, in which he played as a striker. "I used to play for 1 FC Passau in the Bavarian league as well as in the student national team. It was a great time, and it opened a lot of doors for me. I was accepted as part of the coaching set-up and was able to continue to help shape the programme after I finished my studies. 60 of the 110 players I met in the student national team are now working in professional football.''

He has also known Sporting Director Alexander Rosen for many years. The two men share a very close working relationship at TSG. The fact that both have long appreciated and trusted each other is an important component. "We are in daily exchange. I see myself and my department as a service provider, while Alexander Rosen is the one that makes the decisions." The new system has proved an instant success. TSG are enjoying an excellent season so far, and the new signings have had a major role to play. The Sporting Director trusts Huber to take on responsibility in areas beyond scouting: "In addition to managing our scouting department, Bastian will also support me in external and internal business affairs as well as taking on additional sports-related duties,'' says Alexander Rosen.

Collaboration with Bernd Korzynietz

Huber and his team are also responsible for scouting at the TSG Academy. The integration of young players into the Bundesliga team is considered an integral part of the club's DNA and is a task which the former youth coach takes on with particular relish - especially given his close relationship with former professional Bernd Korzynietz, the new squad planning coordinator for the U16 to U23 teams.

"TSG are synonymous with this approach and have taken on a pioneering role in the sport. I have known youth director Dirk Mack for many years and coordinate closely with both him and Bernd. Scouting and coaching young players is so important here at TSG and it's part of the jobs that fits in perfectly with my footballing philosophy,'' says Huber. And with regards to talent scouting: "We try to be there to watch matches in person as often as possible.''

Family life as definitely been affected by his move in the summer. It thus comes as little surprise that Hubner is so looking forward to having some time off to spend with his loved ones over Christmas: "My first six months at TSG have been interesting, intense and exciting. My family always had my back. Now I can't wait to just be there for them and spend time with them."