Press Conference

“Full focus on Hannover”

In today’s press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Hannover, Hamburger SV head coach Bernd Hollerbach spoke about the personnel situation, the upcoming opponent’s strengths and the current unrest at HSV, amongst a range of other things.

Hamburg are set to face promoted side Hannover 96 on Sunday evening on the Bundesliga’s 21st matchday (4th February, KO 18:00 CET). The match is Bernd Hollerbach’s debut home game as HSV head coach. The new man will be looking to build on his first point in Leipzig and secure an important victory in the battle to remain in the top flight. Due to the recent unrest at HSV, the 48-year-old also had to answer some questions unrelated to the game in the obligatory press conference ahead of the match. “Holler” dealt with the topic in his usual pragmatic style and explained: “I want to use my energy concerning myself with the football. We want to focus on what really matters. Our full focus is on Hannover. We want to deliver a solid performance and keep the three points in Hamburg.”

Amongst other topics, the HSV coach spoke in detail about...

Albin Ekdal returned to team training this week and is an option for the game against Hannover.

...the personnel situation: Gideon Jung was suffering from lower back pain in training, but he’s getting better every day. Albin Ekdal has returned to training and has been impressive. He is definitely an option for the Hannover game this weekend. It seems that Fiete Arp isn’t yet fully fit after his flu. Therefore, we’ve taken him out of training so that it doesn’t spread around. It did him good to get some rest.

...the opponents Hannover: I’m expecting them to be extremely organised. Hannover are a promoted side and have already scored 27 points and are particularly dangerous from set pieces. We will have to be alert. In front of our home crowd, we obviously want to play adventurously going forwards, but at the same time we will have to be careful. We have to learn from our last home game against Cologne. We can’t allow ourselves to fall into their trap – we have to find a balance between defence and attack like we did in Leipzig.

…the transfer window closing: It’s never easy acquiring news players in winter. I was in constant contact with the management. In the end, we decided that we can achieve our goal of staying up with the squad we already have. It is important that we get on with our work and become a unit.

Bernd Hollerbach is looking forward to his home debut as HSV head coach at the Volksparkstadion

…the support of the fans: We’re all hoping for great support, which we have always received. I’m sure that the stadium will be full at the weekend and that every HSV fan will stand behind the team. I’m really looking forward to it and I’m sure that the atmosphere will be electric on Sunday.

…the unrest at HSV: I want to put all my energy into the sporting side of the game. We want to concentrate on what matters. Our focus is completely on Hannover. We want to play a good game and keep the three points here in Hamburg. Whatever else happens is not our business. It is often the case that there is unrest in the Bundesliga when the sporting side of things isn’t going well. I have always only ever concentrated on what I can influence – as a player and now as a coach.

… Hannover coach Andre Breitenreiter: We used to play together and we always got along. He is doing a great job in Hannover. After the game, there will certainly be the chance for us to speak. Before that though, our friendship must be on hold for 90 minutes.