Hoffenheim were on quite a roll for a while. Backed by SAP software mogul Dietmar Hopp's billions, they built up a squad that leaped up two divisions in as many years and led the Bundesliga itself for the first half of 2008-09. But the formula that worked in lower divisions - overpaying players to come to a sleepy town of 3,300 people - came to an end last year.

Hopp decided he'd like to see the club stand on its own two feet and initiated a clear-out of several of the club's most highly paid players, as well as coach Ralf Rangnick, who was the architect of its rise. This season, in which a more modest squad is led by new coach Hoger Stanislawski, could be a make-or-break one for the club.

Fun fact: Dietmar Hopp played for Hoffenheim...back when it was essentially a Sunday league club.

Author: Jefferson Chase
Editor: Matt Hermann