Sinsheim, Germany - Bundesliga newcomers Hoffenheim were told Monday by their billionaire investor to enjoy the rest of the season, saying there was no more pressure on the team.

The promoted side, who took the German league by storm in the first half of the season, have now slipped to eighth after 10 games without a win.

Investor Dietmar Hopp, co-founder of software giants SAP whose financial backing has helped the Sinsheim district club rise from the lower leagues, said he was happy with the team's performance.

The second half of the season had not gone so well after the team topped the table at the winter break but this had been expected, Hopp admitted.

However he said the team had not enjoyed the best of luck and had also had to cope with injuries.

"I am standing right behind our coach Ralf Rangnick. The lads should now have fun until the end of the season. There is absolutely no more pressure on them," Hopp said.

The investor was speaking at the launch of a charity project in which 52 team buses are being made available via his foundation to football clubs with strong youth projects.

Although Hoffenheim are now out of the league title running, they could influence the outcome, with matches still to come against leaders Wolfsburg, second-placed Bayern Munich and fourth-placed Hertha Berlin. (dpa)