One of the stories surrounding the Rhenish duel between Gladbach and Leverkusen was Jonas Hofmann’s quick return. The German national player was repeatedly booed during the game in Borussia Park – and commented on it.
When he was substituted in the final phase, Jonas Hofmann had to hear whistles again. IMAGO/Team 2
Jonas Hofmann cannot and will never forget the time between 2016 and 2023 with 184 Bundesliga games for Borussia Mönchengladbach including 81 points (41 goals, 40 assists). The player, who switched to Bayer 04 Leverkusen this summer, made that clear late on Saturday evening right after his Werkself made it 3-0 at Borussia Park.
“It was wonderful to walk through the catacombs again and see a lot of familiar faces,” said the 31-year-old when speaking to “Sky”. Seeing and feeling the old and long-standing workplace again before warming up was “briefly emotional” for him, “I have to say that”.
For Hofmann it was just the right way: “It wouldn’t be normal if it hadn’t turned out that way. I would have to blame myself as a person because seven and a half, almost eight years – that was a special time.” And don’t forget that.
Hofmann honored before the game for his time in Gladbach
Not surprisingly, the leading player also had to put up with whistles from the Borussia supporters. When entering the interior, when Vice President Rainer Bonhof honored his time in the BMG, among other things, when he touched the ball and when he was substituted late, these whistles could be heard – in addition to applause from other parts, for example at the honor.
However, Hofmann did not appear disappointed. Rather, according to his own statement, he had prepared himself for whistles. He commented on the whole thing soberly and also conceded this reaction to some of the fans: “I expected one or the other whistle to come. And the whistle that came was maybe a little influenced by the change – I have to already say. Because that was not the truth, what was going around in the media at the time.”
As a reminder: the circumstances accompanying the change at the time were that Hofmann was said to have had his word with the eleven from the Lower Rhine and backed out after fulfilling the requirements of a new contract. Gladbach’s sporting director Roland Virkus openly expressed his disappointment at the time: “We had intensive discussions with Jonas and fought to keep him at Borussia. The talks were very open – and in the end we made an offer that Jonas made conditions. The fact that he has nevertheless decided to activate the release clause does not leave a good feeling. Nevertheless, his decision must be respected and a big thank you goes to Jonas for his commitment and achievements.”
Hofmann and “a little kindergarten”
A little later at an event organized by the “Rheinische Post”, Virkus also said: “Jonas agreed to us and canceled again a day later.”
Speech is silver, silence is golden.
According to Hofmann on this Saturday, the quotes played in the media at the time would have led to the expected reaction from the Gladbach supporters. When asked who had influenced the reactions of the fans from his point of view, Hofmann finally replied: “I think we all know who it came from. Sometimes it’s important to think about it – and maybe it’s the saying something to it: speech is silver, silence is golden.” Apparently he meant Virkus without even mentioning his name.
A little later, Hofmann found clear words again and scolded: “It’s all complete nonsense. I never said yes. But that’s the last time I’ll say anything about it. But that was a bit of kindergarten for me, to be honest.”
2023-08-26 19:24:51
#Hofmann #whistles #expected
