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18.09.2026
HSV extend contracts with Polzin and coaching staff
The Bundesliga side have committed head coach Merlin Polzin and his assistant coaches Loic Fave, Richard Krohn and Max Bergmann to long-term deals. Kathleen Krüger: “They impress with their expertise, meticulousness, hard work and passion every single day.”
Hamburger SV will continue to work with their current coaching staff: the contracts of head coach Merlin Polzin (35) and his assistants Loic Fave (33), Richard Krohn (31) and Max Bergmann (28) have all been extended on a long-term basis.
Newly appointed board member for sport Kathleen Krüger has worked closely with the coaching staff and team in recent weeks, gaining a detailed insight into their collaboration during training sessions, video analysis and team talks. The 41-year-old said: “We communicated our fundamental commitment already at an early stage and have reiterated it clearly on several occasions since. We will move on together, while also being fully aware of our current situation. Trust does not mean that results become secondary; rather, it is based on critical reflection and discussion. That is why, with even greater conviction, we are extending the contracts of Merlin, Loic, Richi and Max. They impress with their expertise, meticulousness, hard work and passion every single day.”
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Sporting director Claus Costa, who has worked closely with Merlin Polzin for the past six years, added: “Our coaching staff impresses me both professionally and personally. Throughout our journey so far, we have always engaged with one another openly, critically and honestly, allowing us to overcome even demanding challenges together. I have had an insight into Merlin’s daily work for years and have been able to witness how he has continuously evolved as a leader. I particularly value his ability to see the bigger picture when it comes to the team and his unwavering desire to continue growing alongside those around him.”
Merlin Polzin initially took over as interim head coach of the Rothosen on 24 November 2024 before being appointed permanently at the turn of the year. The Hamburg native had previously worked as an assistant coach of the HSV first team since the 2020/21 season. Together with his assistants Loic Fave and Richard Krohn, who had previously worked in the HSV academy and joined the coaching staff at Polzin’s request, he led the Rothosen to their long-awaited promotion after seven years in the second tier. For the subsequent 2025/26 Bundesliga season, Max Bergmann (previously TSG Hoffenheim II) joined the coaching staff as an “assistant coach for analysis”. In this line-up, Polzin and his staff comfortably achieved their season target, finishing the Bundesliga campaign in 13th place.
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Merlin Polzin is now the fifth-longest-serving head coach among the current Bundesliga managers. Since taking charge in November 2024, he has overseen 62 competitive matches as head coach of the Rothosen, averaging 1.38 points per game. During this time, the 35-year-old and his coaching staff have managed to form a close-knit unit through a balanced combination of professional expertise, an objective and analytical approach, a strong sense of identification and a maximum commitment to teamwork – repeatedly navigating tense situations and overcoming obstacles along the way.
The team is facing another such challenge at present. “Our joint commitment is a sign of trust. At the same time, I see it as a great responsibility and as our mandate to make the club better. Everyone knows how much this city, this club and this stadium mean to me. That makes me all the more pleased to have my entire coaching staff and support team continuing to be by my side, and to feel such incredible support from the club’s staff, the fans and so many other people around HSV,” Polzin emphasised.
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