Hoffenheim install Kramer as new academy director

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim confirmed the return of former youth trainer Frank Kramer as their new youth academy director on Thursday. 

German footballing trainer Frank Kramer is back at the Bundesliga club that launched his coaching career. After stints in charge of top-flight sides DSC Arminia Bielefeld and FC Schalke 04 didn’t work out, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim took back their one-time U23 and caretaker head-coach. The 51-year-old was installed as the TSG’s new academy director on Thursday. 

Kramer initially joined Hoffenheim from SpVgg Greuther Fürth in 2011. After coaching the Kraichgauer reserves, Kramer would go on to serve as head-coach as Fürth and Fortuna Düsseldorf before moving to the German youth ranks in 2015. Kramer was brought in to coach DSC Arminia Bielefeld in March of 2021.

After helping the Teutoburg’s avoid relegation that year, he was sacked after a poor form run one year later. Schalke hired him a few months later to lead the newly-promoted Köngisblauen at the beginning of the 2022/23 campaign. He lasted only 12 games before being let go after a poor start. 

“An enormous and exciting task awaits me, which I will tackle with great joy and vigour,” Kramer was quoted as saying in a club press release, “It’s great to be back here. TSG’s academy is one of the best on the continent and I’m convinced we can develop it even further.” 

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