Going to Paderborn with power

On Tuesday, the squad began preparations ahead of Matchday 33 and the trip to SC Paderborn with a double session. Before a heading out onto the training pitch in the afternoon, the group took part in an athletics session indoors. At 15:30 CEST, the ball was in play, as the team completed several 5 vs. 5 games with a lot of tight space situations. With intense duels, fast transitions and many goal scoring opportunities, the session was a promising one, and the mood amongst the players was appropriate to match the importance of the current situation.

Unfortunately, some bad news emerged when Orel Mangala went down after stretching for the ball and sat out of the remainder of the 90 minute session. “We have to wait and see exactly what the problem is, but it didn’t look good,” said head coach Hannes Wolf. Further examinations will reveal the severity and type of injury suffered. “Of course, we’re hoping for the best,” said Wolf. “If it is a more serious issue, we will have to accept it and keep going.” Gideon Jung and Rick van Drongelen also sat out of today’s sessions, although Wolf expects the pair to return later in the week. The same could be said for Aaron Hunt, as Wolf also hopes to have his captain back in training ahead of the weekend’s fixture. It would be the return of an important figure within the squad ahead of a just as important away trip, as HSV face second-placed Paderborn. After training, the squad received plenty of support ahead of the clash, and fans can see their side train once again at 15:30 CEST on Friday. Wednesday and Thursday’s training sessions will be held privately.