Grillitsch surprised: This is what his time in Valladolid is like!

Grillitsch surprised: This is what his time in Valladolid is like!

Florian Grillitsch, the Austrian international, has moved from Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim to Spanish club Real Valladolid this season. This loan move was made to give the 28-year-old more playing time, as he was no longer included in Hoffenheim under coach Christian Ilzer. Despite his desire to stay at Hoffenheim, the starting position for Grillitsch has been unsatisfactory since his return from Ajax in July 2023 at the latest.

Grillitsch was in the starting line-up in both of the Austrian national football team's playoff games against Serbia. However, these games were disappointing for the team. Currently, Grillitsch plays regularly for Real Valladolid, who are in a difficult position as they are bottom of the table in LaLiga.

Background to the change

The move to Valladolid, which will take place until the end of the current season, was a necessary step for Grillitsch. Andreas Schicker, the sporting director of TSG Hoffenheim, emphasized that the decision to go on loan was largely aimed at giving Grillitsch more playing time. Since the coaching change at Hoffenheim, Grillitsch has not been in the squad for any of the last 15 competitive games, partly due to injuries.

Grillitsch reacted to the surprising development of his standing at Hoffenheim by noting that he originally had no plans to leave the club. He also quoted Jose Mourinho as saying, “If I speak, I’m in big trouble,” to illustrate his conscientious restraint about his situation.

Statistics and achievements

In his career at Hoffenheim, Grillitsch played a total of 196 competitive games, scoring nine goals and providing 17 assists. His contract with Hoffenheim runs until June 30, 2026. The player has also played 50 international matches since his debut for the Austrian national team in March 2017, scoring one goal. Before his appearances in the A team, Grillitsch played for all youth national teams of the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB).

Overall, the loan move to Valladolid is a crucial opportunity for Grillitsch to get back into the spotlight and showcase his abilities as the club looks to emerge from crisis.

For more information on loan players and their performance, you can access the comprehensive statistics Transfer market see.