“A great feeling to give something back to the fans”

Nicolai Remberg: Today was special! It’s a great feeling to give something back to the fans for their support throughout the season with a performance like that. I’m really happy we won. There have been so many great moments this season. As a team, we’ve achieved something special. Everyone gave it their all, and what stood out was that even the players who don’t usually get much playing time delivered when they were needed and when they got their chance. For a newly promoted side, 37 points isn’t too shabby. When I got the ball in, I actually knew right away that I was offside. Maybe I’ll save my next goal for Leverkusen or even for next season. (laughs)

Luka Vuskovic: For me, today’s was a very special match. It am 99.9% certain that it was my last home game for HSV for the time being. You never know what might happen, and you shouldn’t close the door completely, but it felt like a farewell party. The season isn’t over yet, and we’ll talk about the future once it’s done. Mario, my parents and a few other family members were at the stadium today. It was an emotional moment. I’m so happy to be part of this club. I can’t put it into words other than pure joy. I’m glad I was able to help the team with my goals. It’s been a really good season

“It is a privilege for me to be able to play here, and I am just so grateful for that.”

Bakery Jatta: I am really pleased to have scored my first Bundesliga goal. It just feels so good. It is a privilege for me to be able to play here, and I am just so grateful for that. HSV is my club and I am always so happy when I get to play here. I give it my best each and every time.

Fabio Balde: When Capaldo played the ball from deep, my mind was made up to just sprint full throttle towards goal. It’s an incredible feeling to have scored my first Bundesliga goal. That’s always been my target. Now I’ve managed it on 10th May of all days – a special date for the fans and for us. It was also a special day today for Otto, Shafiq and me. I’ve known the two of them for such a long time. They’re my guys. I told them that what we’ve achieved today isn’t something to be taken for granted. We must savour it.

Otto Stange: Making my first Bundesliga start was great fun. I had goosebumps as I ran onto the pitch. It’s a different experience to feature from the off than to come on as a sub. There were one or two situations where I could have done better, but I’m satisfied on the whole

“The way the boys handled things today, especially after reaching our overarching aim, is full credit to them.”

Merlin Polzin: It’s no secret that Freiburg push you to the limit with their style of play. The way the boys handled things today, especially after reaching our overarching aim, is full credit to them. We made it clear to the team before the match that it’s not the first impression that counts, but that people will remember the last. That’s why it was so important to us to put in a good performance. The guys out on the pitch and the fans in the stadium did just that. I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us to this point and today’s match: first and foremost, Loic, because we always do this together, and then of course the entire coaching staff and club employees, as well as the squad. And let’s not forget everyone at the club’s offices, led by Eric and Claus, who all played their part in ensuring we get to experience moments like today.

We wish SC every success. They are performing well this season and outstandingly in Europe. We cross our fingers that they will have something to celebrate come the end of things.

Julian Schuster: I can’t be satisfied with our performance today. We had imagined things would go differently, and that has to be our standard, regardless of what happened during the week. We made the wrong decisions on the ball throughout the first half, even though we had space and chances. We didn’t manage to capitalise on them. We had to work harder defensively, and that’s more demanding when you don’t have as much energy. We’re conceding goals far too easily. You can’t put that down to tiredness. We could have got a different result with a better performance, and everyone knows what that would have meant. We have to accept it with a heavy heart. Congratulations to Merlin and HSV on the three points.