Hamburg - Hermann Schulz strokes the playing field in the Imtech Arena with great affection, every few minutes the head of HSV's the ground keeping team bends over to take a closer inspection of his masterpiece. It passes the test. "It is definitely an advantage that we didn't hold any concerts here this summer! The turf has been in the Arena since March and has had time to take hold properly" explained Schulz. One thing is for certain, Armin Veh and his team will have the perfect surface to play against Schalke. "It is important for the players that the ball moves fast and smoothly across the grass, this will be the case against Schalke".
 
 
The big test for the pitch will come on Saturday in the opening game (21.08.10 at 18.15 CET on HSV Ticker). "It has been like looking after a baby, four of us have been working around the clock on a daily basis caring for it and making sure it is in the best condition possible" said Schulz. The grass is cut three times a week to keep it in shape and will receive its last trim on Saturday just before kick-off, then it will be given a three week break before the next home match. The work is done for Hermann Schulz and his team as soon as the players step out onto the pitch, and the result is already decided for Schulz. "We are going to win 2-0" said the groundsman with a laugh. Everyone in the HSV camp is confident of a win, and should things go wrong, it won't be the pitch which is to blame.