Usami hoping to make impact at Hoffenheim

Hoffenheim have endured a woeful start to the Bundesliga season, losing their opening two fixtures which sees them sit second from bottom.

Markus Babbel’s men began their season with a 2-1 loss at Borussia Moenchengladbach before suffering a crushing 4-0 defeat against joint league leaders Eintracht Frankfurt.

Hoffenheim took to the training field on Wednesday ahead of their trip to Freiburg on Sunday and new signing Takashi Usami is hoping to make an impact following his move from Bayern Munich.

“Since the new season started, I have played every match and my playing time is getting longer,” the former Gamba Osaka midfielder said.

“For me, I have noticed small improvements. When I get opportunities to start the games, I will score.

“I have to stay alert though because I want to be starting every match.”

Usami made only five appearances for Munich last season but says he has learnt from the experience and is hoping that first-team football at Hoffenheim will improve him as a player.

“Last season, I didn’t play very much (at Bayern Munich) and didn’t play in the Olympics regularly,” he said.

“But despite that situation, I tried to keep mentally high and keep up my motivation.

“I also thought hard about what I need to do to improve. I learnt a lot last season – mainly mentally.

“Except football, my family is my life. They heal me and I relax when I’m with my family.

“That’s why they are important for me. I want to do my best for my family and I really appreciate them.”