Hoffenheim coach Markus Babbel has hit back at Werder Bremen's director of football Klaus Allofs for criticising goalkeeper Tim Wiese.

Wiese joined Hoffenheim from Bremen in the summer on a free transfer and has conceded 15 goals in only four matches so far for his new club.

This led Allofs to claim that Bremen are not missing the 30-year-old because of Sebastian Mielitz's performance in goal.

"That's an unnecessary comment from Allofs," responded Babbel. "I can't back his opinion.

"I am surprised, as Tim's successor is not better in footballing terms. Our players are even surprised by how good Tim is in footballing terms."

Wiese played for Bremen for seven years before leaving them for Hoffenheim before the start of this season.