Team

“Finding the right balance and stability in the Bundesliga”

New signing Daniel Peretz spoke to the media about his move to HSV, the competition for the number one shirt and training alongside five-time World Goalkeeper of the Year Manuel Neuer.

Daniel Peretz didn’t waste any time. Just hours after completing his medical, signing his contract, and being officially unveiled as a HSV player, the 25-year-old goalkeeper was already out on the training pitch with goalkeeper coach Sven Höh on Monday evening (22nd July). Over the following two days – and again today – the Israel international, who has joined HSV on loan from FC Bayern, took part in his first sessions with the team. Between the two training sessions on Thursday, Peretz also faced the media for the first time wearing HSV colours and spoke about…

…his move to HSV: Everyone knows what a big club this is, not least because of the recent promotion and the incredible celebrations that followed. You couldn’t miss it on social media. It wasn’t just the hardcore fans, the whole city came together to celebrate that success. As footballers, one of our greatest privileges is being able to bring that kind of joy to people and create those kinds of moments. So, when I heard HSV were interested, I was absolutely delighted. We had some great conversations about the expectations and the goals for the new season, and now we’re working hard to make those happen.

…his goals with HSV: For any newly promoted side, the first priority has to be staying up – and that’s no different for us. It’ll be about finding the right balance and stability in the Bundesliga. At the same time, we know we can aim even higher if we perform to our best and reach our full potential. That’s something for further down the line. Right now, the focus has to be on building a good connection as a team and making sure we get off to a solid start.

…competing to be first-choice goalkeeper: My main aim is obviously to be playing. But in football, like in life, nothing is guaranteed. That’s why I give my all every day. I’m in competition first and foremost with myself – I want to keep improving, on and off the pitch, and become the best version of myself. The other three keepers all want to play as well. In a goalkeeper group, they’re colleagues first – people you train with day in, day out, whether it’s on the pitch, in the gym or in meetings. For me, it’s really important to have good energy and a positive atmosphere in the team. I’m a positive person and I want to build strong relationships with my teammates.

"Manuel Neuer is one of the reasons I became a goalkeeper in the first place"

…training with Manuel Neuer: It was an incredible experience to train alongside such a world-class goalkeeper and one of my biggest role models. Manuel Neuer is one of the reasons I became a goalkeeper in the first place. I looked up to him when I was growing up. He’s revolutionised the position. His personality and mentality are unbelievable, nothing fazes him. He’s the ultimate professional. There are some things you simply can’t copy or learn from him because he’s just Manuel Neuer. But he always had time for me and gave me advice, and I’m proud to say I can call him a friend. I’m really grateful for that.