Interview
21.03.17
"Gather strength for the final straight"
In an interview with HSV.de this week, HSV sport boss Jens Todt discuseed the current situation at the club, the injuries suffered by Bobby Wood and Aaron Hunt as well as the motto for the international break.
Things are rather quiet in and around the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg at the moment, with seven players on international duty while others receive treatment for various knocks they are carrying which are hindering their ability to full train. Club sport boss Jens Todt told the media at a press conference at the stadium this week: “We must use the break to gather strength for the final straight.” After the break games will come thick and fast and the HSV must play three in quick succession against Cologne (Köln), away to Dortmund and against Hoffenheim. Success in those games would consolidate recent performances. Todt reckons: “If we carry on the way we have recently been we have a good chance of avoiding relegation.” One crucial aspect of recent success has been strong team spirit. The team has displayed great togetherness and put the good of the team ahead of their own egos.
The former Bundesliga pro on...
... the sporting situation at HSV: We have shown stability recently and have been able to collect points on a regular basis. If we carry on like that we have a good chance of avoiding relegation. Fact is though that things are very tight where we are in the table. That is underlined by the fact that we have the fifth best record in the Bundesliga since the season restarted following the winter break. Our recent successes have not had much of an effect on that particular table. Other teams are winning games too.
... injuries to Wood and Hunt: Bobby had back pain during the game in Frankfurt. We contacted the USA football authorities to tell them that the striker taking a long haul flight would be counter productive for the healing process. Our American colleagues were very understanding and agreed he should best be treated here. We will reduce his training work for the next few days hoping that he will be able to resume training next week. Aaron has a damaged knee and will not play anymore this week. Instead he will receive treatment. It looks doubtful that he will be able to resume training at the start of next week.
... the international break: What we have to do is gather strength for the final straight. After the break we have three tough games in quick succession and must be well prepared for them. The players who have been playing a lot recently need a breather and regarding our men away on international duty, we hope they return happy and unscathed. We play a friendly against BU on Thursday. We will give a few youngsters who have been training with the first team squad without yet getting a game a chance to ply their wares.
"Egos have been put on the back burner for the good of the team – a crucial part of the plan for success "
... calm in the team: First and foremost positive results and performances help us. We have avoided unnecessary problem zones and give the team clear instructions. We openly discuss contract ad playing time matters. For some it is easier that for others, but we are glad that everyone is accepting the situation. Egos have been put on the back burner for the good of the team – a crucial part of the plan for success
... the friendly using video referee technology: The DFL (German Football League) want to test the system to gauge how practical it is. An important aspect is apparently reducing the time taken to correct things by the video ref. Such tests will aid the process and we of course support it. First tests produced a time of between 10 and 40 seconds. If they can further reduce that time which is simply too long the system could be useful in the future.