Nachbericht

Post match report

HSV are currently going through the usual regeneration period following the crucial 1-0 league home win over Hertha on Sunday. Preparation for the matchday 24 visit of Gladbach to the Volksparkstadion this Sunday evening begins on Wednesday in earnest.

The Rothosen have had a couple of days to recuperate following their deserved 1-0 home win over Hertha BSC at the weekend. The players either underwent treatment for various knocks or did individual training. After so many games in recent weeks including the 0-8 drubbing at Bayern, the 1-2 DFB Cup defeat to Gladbach and now the 1-0 win over Hertha, the training load was slightly reduced. Rothosen keeper Rene Adler said after beating Hertha: “An English week in the Bundesliga feels like an eternity. We are well advised to repeat the grit shown against Hertha in coming games.” The next three crucial points up for grabs are on Sunday (12.03.17, 5.30 PM) as recent DFB Cup victors Borussia Mönchengladbach visit the Volksparkstadion on Bundesliga matchday 24. The home defence will once again have their work cut out to triumph on Sunday.

HSV.de reflect on the Hertha victory, reports the latest from the team front and looks ahead to what promises to be yet another tough weekend.

Bobby Wood leaves two Hertha men in his wake. — Bobby Wood was always a nuisance against Hertha.

The Hertha game: AS expected it was a really tough battle. HSV impressed early on by pressing high up the pitch and not allowing Hertha to develop their natural game. Hamburg’s best chance in the first half fell to Müller who forced an excellent stop from Berlin stopper Jarstein on 189 minutes. The visitors failed to create a decent scoring chance during the opening half. The Rothosen and their fans had to wait until the 77 minute for the deadlock to be finally broken and it came from an unexpected source. Defender Albin Ekdal found time to join the attack and was perfectly placed to curl a right foot shot past Jarstein after a good move involving Wood and Aaron Hunt. It was the only goal of the game and worth its weight in gold in HSV’s relegation battle.

HSV sport boss Jens Todt was satisfied with the result and told the media: “It was a crucial win which once again underlined the mental strength of the team. We were taught a lesson in Munich but the lads bounced back well tonight.” He added that the 1-2 defeat to Gladbach on Tuesday night was a marked improvement in performance to the Munich game. In Sunday’s game the stats reveal that Hertha had more possession (59:41 %) and won more tackles (55:45 %). HSV though were better in the more important aspects like shots on goal (3:1) and of course the only goal of the game.

Jens Todt at the home game against Berlin. — Jens Todt praised team unity.

Team news: Mergim Mavraj will be sidelined for the next month after injuring a knee against Gladbach. Todt: “As far as I know he is the only omission. Other players came through the Hertha game with the usual slight knocks but none were serious which is quite rare.”

Todt went on to praise the unity displayed by the team on Sunday: “Aaron Hunt is a good example. He never looked negative in any way which was great for the younger lads to see. He is now finally getting going by performing well during training and in games. The same goes for Lasogga who has reacted well to being left out of the team. We always try to do right by the lads but the club must always come first.”

Nicolai Müller and his team were unlucky to lose in the cup at home to Gladbach.

Looking ahead: The three points from the Hertha victory saw the Rothosen restore their points cushion to the teams below them. Gisdol’s men are level on points (23) with VfL Wolfsburg (who have a superior goal difference). Just above those two are Bremen (25), Schalke (27) and Augsburg (28). HSV are only focusing on themselves . Todt again: “We must be prepared for everything and have to presume that the competition win all of their games so we must only focus on our own matters. We mustn’t look at the Bundesliga table too much and how others are doing but far more just do our own thing.”

That thing has been best at home recently as the Rothosen face Gladbach on the back of a fine six game unbeaten home run (Bundesliga). Nobody doubts how tough a task Gisdol’s men face on Sunday, but with the incredible support HSV have enjoyed home and away this season anything is possible. None of us here can wait for Sunday. See you all there!