Rangnick blasts Hoffenheim players

FRANKFURT: Coach Ralf Rangnick has bitterly criticised Hoffenheim’s players after the team lost the lead in the Bundesliga, saying their “girlfriends’ handbags had become more important than football”.

Promoted Hoffenheim surprised the Bundesliga by taking the lead early in the season and spending the winter break atop the standings. But the small provincial club, who were in the Third Division two seasons ago, have struggled since the return from the break, winning one of three games.