Interview

“I’d always wanted to play for HSV again”

A wish that was fulfilled, ambitious goals and a special family connection – new signing Levin Öztunali gave his first in-depth interview since his move during our training camp in Austria.

Levin Öztunali has taken part in his fair share of training camps during his career. However, this summer is a first for the 27-year-old – he’s never experienced pre-season as a Hamburger SV first-team player. The camp in Kitzbühel is an opportunity for the midfielder not only to get to know the ropes and his new teammates, but also to internalise the playing philosophy under Tim Walter and his coaching staff. Even after just a few days as a HSV player, a very down-to-earth Öztunali has already made an impression on his new colleagues: “Levin has a lot of experience, which is incredibly important with so many young players in the squad. You always need people in the team who have already been there, done that,” said captain Sebastian Schonlau about the new arrival, who was already part of the Rothosen’s youth setup between 2006 and 2013.

A quick look at his CV is proof enough of Hamburg-born Öztunali’s wealth of experience. The 1.84-metre-tall midfielder already has 190 Bundesliga games (12 goals, 26 assists) and six appearances in both the Champions and Europa League under his belt, and Öztunali is hoping to use that experience to help his new team achieve their goals. How he aims to do that, the reasons behind his move to HSV and the role that the connection to his grandfather played in it are all things our new number 21 discussed in a media session at the Kitzhof team hotel, and HSV.de has rounded up the key quotes.

Levin Öztunali, pictured here with Jonathan Tah, featured for HSV’s academy sides from 2006 to 2013.

Levin Öztunali on...

…joining HSV: It was obvious to me that I wanted to play for HSV again, even if it’s difficult to make plans in football. I kept in touch with Jonas [Boldt], because we’ve known each other for a while now. When a concrete offer came, I knew I wanted to accept and make that wish come true. I knew that HSV appealed to me, as did the goals of the club and the philosophy. I’m really glad to be here and the team have given me a warm welcome. I can’t wait to get started with the team and to work hard at training camp, in order to start the season off well.

…HSV’s style of play: It’s fun to play out from the back and to have possession. Every coach has their own idea on how to achieve this. I’ve been here for a week now and am trying my best to soak it all in. I kept an eye on how HSV were doing over the years, and was even at the ground for the home game against St. Pauli. That made it easy to see how to play out from the back. Naturally, it’s always something different when you’re out on the pitch. I’m trying to soak it all in, put what I’m taught into practice and find my position.

Levin Öztunali has taken part in every pre-season training session in Kitzbühel so far.

…his role at HSV: I’m 27 now, and feel like I’m in the prime age to really give it everything. Since leaving HSV, I’ve learned a lot over the last 10 years and gained experience and match practice. I’m trying to use this experience to help the team. In the end, it’s not about how old you are — if anyone has any questions, then they can always be addressed. I do think, however, that there are some things that I’m more likely to pick up on than a younger player might do. I will definitely be vocal and make sure to address things.

"My favourite position is to be on the pitch."

…his favourite position: My favourite position is to be on the pitch. I’ve played in a lot of different positions in my career so far. In recent years, I’ve mainly featured in midfield, either on the wings or centrally. There are certain advantages to both positions. In general, I’m a pretty variable player. I see it as an advantage, because every game is different and the season is long, meaning that it’s always possible that you’ll be asked to play in a different position. The most important thing at the end of the day is to be out on the pitch.

…his goals for the upcoming season: We want to finish one spot higher in the table than last season. I think that it would be a dream come true for everyone that works here if we were able to be rewarded for the hard work we put in each day. It would be a very emotional moment to get promoted with HSV. It’s something unforgettable. We are giving everything in order to make it possible this season. Of course, it’s not easy as there are several other clubs looking to also do the same. We need to fight for every point.

"For you, he was always ‘Uns Uwe,’ but to me, he was my grandpa."

..his connection to HSV: I grew up with HSV, in a way. I played here for my entire childhood and then went on to play in Germany, always hearing about how HSV were doing. The last few seasons have all come down to the wire. I would have been happy if we’d been able to go up sooner. Now, I’m here and am looking forward to being part of the team. The city and the club have taken a very positive outlook on this in recent years. We want to achieve it together.

…the connection to his grandfather: My grandpa was a club legend at HSV. The things he achieved here were incredible. For you, he was always ‘Uns Uwe,’ but to me, he was my grandpa. We lived in the house next door and he always had time to listen to me and was always there for me. I really loved him a lot.