Season

Fresh energy and unforgettable memories

A quartet led by captain Yussuf Poulsen returned to full training at the start of the week, as HSV step up preparations for their first Bundesliga campaign in seven years. The team also attended the premiere of the documentary ALWAYS HAMBURG, a powerful reminder of the spirit needed for the season ahead.

Hamburger SV kicked off their first Bundesliga training week in seven years on Wednesday (20th August) with a special full-day programme. After two days off, the Rothosen resumed work at the Volksparkstadion to prepare for Sunday’s trip to Borussia Mönchengladbach (17:30 CEST) – and did so with double the momentum. Head coach Merlin Polzin was able to welcome back four players recovering from injuries: captain Yussuf Poulsen (minor thigh strain), winger Jean-Luc Dompé (ankle), Immanuel Pherai (partial MCL tear) and Bakery Jatta (muscular problems). Robert Glatzel, meanwhile, continued individual work in the gym, while Sebastian Schonlau was excused to hold talks about his future. That left 25 outfield players and four goalkeepers on the pitch, bringing plenty of energy to the session.

Coach Merlin Polzin, OMR founder Philipp Westermeyer, board member Eric Huwer, director of the documentary Tom Häussler with his wife Stefanie, board member for sport Stefan Kuntz and director of football Claus Costa on the blue carpet.

Plenty of emotions and memorable moments

In the evening, the squad swapped the training ground for the cinema. At the CinemaxX Dammtor, the players attended the premiere of the HSV documentary ALWAYS HAMBURG – Hope. Pain. Belonging. The film vividly retraced what it had taken over the past 18 months to finally secure promotion after seven years in the second division: togetherness, unity and belief. Episodes 3 to 6 of the 180-minute series by OMR Frames and director Tom Häussler were shown to an audience of 1,000 invited guests, including former coaches and players such as Tim Walter and Ludovit Reis.

“It was very special and moving to relive our journey on the big screen,” said Polzin afterwards. “It’s also given us added excitement for Sunday. We learned a lot during pre-season, we suffered at times, but we’re ready to start the Bundesliga season against a strong opponent.” Miro Muheim agreed: “It was emotional and full of amazing moments. I’ll definitely watch the documentary again a few more times. Tonight gave us even more energy for Sunday’s start. We’re all excited for the Bundesliga.”

Four days before the start of the 63rd Bundesliga season, the Rothosen were once more charged with emotion – the memories of promotion still fresh, the anticipation for the new season building. The Bundesliga is ready to begin.