Season
02.02.18
Debut for Hollerbach in front of "unique HSV fans”
ON SUNDAY EVENING, HSV WELCOME RECENTLY-PROMOTED HANNOVER 96 TO THE VOLKSPARKSTADION ON MATCHDAY 21 IN THE BUNDESLIGA. HEAD COACH BERND HOLLERBACH RETURNS TO HIS OLD STOMPING GROUND 5,006 DAYS AFTER HIS LAST APPEARANCE AND IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FAN’S SUPPORT.
He made a total of 117 appearances for HSV at the Volksparkstadion. The Würzburg-born midfielder attacked up and down the left side on the hallowed turf in virtually every competition going – the Champions League, UEFA Cup, UEFA Intertoto Cup, DFB-Pokal, Ligapokal and of course, the Bundesliga. His last game came on the 22nd May 2004, as the Rothosen beat Eintracht Frankfurt (2-1), and more than a few tears were shed by the 52,854 fans that said farewell to the club legend that day.
117 HOME MATCHES FOR HSV
This coming Sunday, 5006 days later, the 48-year-old makes his return to his old stomping ground as HSV head coach for the first time. His debut in the dugout at the Volksparkstadion comes against newly-promoted Hannover 96 (18:00 CET). The trained butcher is no stranger to the away coaching zone in Hamburg, having been here as assistance coach at both VfL Wolfsburg and FC Schalke 04. Against Sunday’s opponents from Hannover, Hollerbach made just one appearance during his HSV playing days. Perhaps that match will serve as a good omen, as Hamburger SV ran out 2-1 winners that day tanks to a Jörg Albertz brace (11.08.02). Hollerbach played 75 minutes before being substituted, naturally with a yellow card in the bag.
"The HSV fans are unique and, especially at the Volksparkstadion, can really create a special force and energy."
You don’t need to be a prophet to predict that Hollerbach’s second home appearance against Hannover 96 on Sunday evening will be quite special. The club legend may have played down the excitement the HSV fans showed during his debut last weekend, but can be sure to expect the unconditional backing ahead of his return to the Volksparkstadion on Sunday. 5,000 fans travelled to Leipzig to paint their quadrant of the Arena in blue-white-black, setting the tone for the 35,000 home ans. "Our fans were simply sensational. They stood behind us like a wall – unbelievable," emphasised the head coach after the match. "The HSV fans are unique and, especially at the Volksparkstadion, can really create a special force and energy. They have made the decisive difference in so many games in the past. During my playing career, I was able to experience this dynamic close up on countless occasions."