"UNDERDOG" HALBTURN

Red and gold soccer fairytale (probably) continues

Collective jubilation at Burgenlandliga club Halbturn.(Bild: Halbturn/Herglotz)

For Halbturn, staying in the Burgenlandliga seems almost certain. After two promotions in a row, this is the next success story.

Around three years ago, Halbturn were on the brink of relegation to the 2nd class north. They saved themselves on the last matchday. A little later, coach Peter Herglotz took over the helm at the club - which was in danger of relegation again at this point. In the second half of the season, the club went on a run before even securing promotion. One season later, they also managed to do the same in the 2nd Liga Nord, making it through as "underdogs". Before the season, many considered the team to be relegated from the Burgenlandliga.

But the fairytale (probably) continues. After the thrilling 4:3 win at rivals Marz, they are already eight points clear of the relegation places - with one game less to play. Relegation now seems almost certain! "We won't talk about it until it's mathematically certain," says coach Herglotz. Postscript: "But things are already looking good, of course." 
Hoffmann in the Bundesliga?
The half-backs are characterized - especially in the second half of the season - by their enormous resilience, paired with passion and physicality. "In winter, we went one better in terms of fitness. Training was really tough, but the lads really got stuck in."

Coach Herglotz is very fond of Hoffmann, who is being courted by many clubs.(Bild: Halbturn/Herglotz)

There are a few players with a lot of experience in the squad, but above all hungry and talented players. One of them is Marco Hoffmann. The 20-year-old, who has already been top scorer in the 1st division and 2nd division, continues to score in the Burgenlandliga this year. And is even said to be on the radar of Bundesliga clubs.

I said to him two years ago that he has lost nothing here and has to play at a higher level.

Halbturn-Trainer Peter Herglotz über „Shootingstar“ Marco Hoffmann

"That's true. He's already had trial training sessions with two Bundesliga clubs," confirms Herglotz. "But that's only logical. I already told him two years ago that he has no place here and has to play at a higher level." The time will probably come in the summer. But before that, they want to celebrate winning the league together.