Strategists behind the scenes

34-year-old Timo Gross joined TSG Hoffenheim in October 2013, gaining initial experience during an internship. He followed the classic TSG path within the club, rising from match analyst for the U19s and assistant coach for the first team to head analyst. This summer, Gross was officially appointed Head of Football Intelligence. His responsibilities include strategic management of the areas of game and data analysis, technology and innovation. In close cooperation with the coaching team, the sporting management and the Head of Performance, new areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) and performance tracking are being integrated and applied in a practical manner. An interdisciplinary team led by Gross is also developing data-based decision-making principles, analysis models and visualisations. The aim is, among other things, to further develop match and training analysis within the club, optimise match strategy and provide targeted support for individual player development.

Marco Angeler has been contributing his expertise to TSG as Head of Performance since January 2025. The 36-year-old previously worked with Christian Ilzer’s coaching team at Sturm Graz and is now responsible for training and load management for the licensed team. Angeler, who himself played for several years at the historic club Rapid Vienna at youth level and later also played an Austrian Bundesliga match for SC Wiener Neustadt, is now responsible for the athletic and rehabilitation coaches. The sports scientist generally focuses on optimising the players’ performance while reducing the risk of injury, and also relies on exchange with other departments:  The 36-year-old is responsible for the interdisciplinary coordination of athletic experts, physiotherapists, doctors and performance diagnosticians, acting as a link between the coaching team, the individual departments and the scientific community.