Benjamin Hübner starts trainee programme at TSG

Alexander Rosen immediately objects to this figurative wording, however. "We certainly won't be hiding Benni behind the computer and in offices. He won't be shielded here," announced the TSG managing director with a grin, hinting at an intensified approach. "Benni is set to go through various divisions and therefore gain as many insights into the departments as possible in order to gain important knowledge and skills for his professional future during his practical training," Rosen explained. The TSG academy – which Alexander Rosen, who once started out at TSG as the head of the youth development centre, describes as the "heart of our club" – will also have a central role to play.

"I'm incredibly grateful to TSG for giving me the chance to get to know the inner workings of a professional club in a different and unfamiliar role to me following the end of my career," said Benjamin Hübner, who is looking forward to his new challenge. "It was always clear to me that I wanted to stay involved in football and especially with this special club, which has grown very close to my heart over all these years. During my playing career, I not only had the opportunity to be the captain here but also to play in the Champions League. That is absolutely extraordinary for me. Now I'm looking forward to getting to know all the different facets of this club."

Having already earned the UEFA Certificate in Football Management in cooperation with the Université de Lausanne during his playing days, Benjamin Hübner is now completing a sort of dual training at TSG: in addition to his job in the Kraichgau, the former centre-back is also completing a retraining course to become a sports administrator (IHK). Hübner's focus at TSG over the next 18 months will be primarily on sporting matters, but the 34-year-old will also be working in marketing, the media department and sponsoring, and is also aiming to obtain a coaching licence.