At the time, the idea that Liverpool with Jürgen Klopp, Bayern with Hopp’s golf friend Franz Beckenbauer or Manchester City with Pep Guardiola might one day play in Sinsheim belonged to the realm of football science fiction. Back then, the highlights in Hoffe were derbies against FC Zuzenhausen, less than four kilometres away. “That was real rivalry,” Hopp later said.\n\nThe rivalry even helped create one of the club’s crucial moments. In the early 1960s, in a decisive relegation match, Hopp felt the neighbours were almost trying to let Hoffenheim win.
He missed a penalty anyway.\n\nHoffenheim lost 3–5 and went down.