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Costa: “Keep growing closer and closer as a team”

Director of football Claus Costa took the time during this international break to discuss the start to the season, the recent dominant win over Mainz, his assessment so far and the crucial aspects that help a new squad gel together.

On Wednesday, the HSV coaching staff made use of the international break and organised a special kind of training session. Players from the U19s, the U21s and the first team were split into two teams, who faced off in a friendly. “It was a great session with really high intensity and a balanced level for everyone,” praised director of football Claus Costa. He observed the game, noting that “some young players were able to really prove themselves” and that he’d keep in mind a few who particularly stood out to him.

After the recent successes of the win at home against Heidenheim, the well-deserved point in Berlin and finally the 4-0 triumph against Mainz, Costa is enjoying the positive buzz around HSV. He was understandably enthusiastic when he summed up the season so far in a media round at the Volkspark. Costa discussed...

…a developing team spirit: When you’re trying to create that sense of togetherness in a group of players with a lot of new additions, it’s not all about what happens on the pitch. It’s just as crucial that they grow together as people as well. We’re so happy to see that the boys are there for each other and show that spirit when they’re working together. That’s often the most difficult part when assessing a player, trying to decide whether he’d fit into a tight-knit group or even one that’s still getting to know each other. They’re doing really well, though, and keep growing closer and closer as a team. On the pitch, of course, but also off it.

…the role of team captain Yussuf Poulsen: For Yussi, he hasn’t been able to be as involved on the pitch as either of us had imagined at the start of the season. Even so, as captain and as a person, he’s a really important player for us. Yussi coaches the younger players in every training session, makes valuable contributions with his wealth of experience when we do video analysis, and is someone who works so intently on himself and for the team every day. We’re hoping at the moment that he can be back on the pitch soon and help the team with his quality and his experience, in the way that he already does in the dressing room.

"When you’re trying to create that sense of togetherness in a group of players with a lot of new additions, it’s not all about what happens on the pitch. It’s just as crucial that they grow together as people."