Season

Squad update ahead of home game against Bayern

Hamburger SV returned to training on Monday (26th January) to begin preparations for their Bundesliga game against FC Bayern. A total of 26 players took part.

A fixture steeped in tradition returns to the Volksparkstadion on matchday 20. More than eight years on, HSV will once again host FC Bayern in Hamburg. The situation ahead of Saturday (31st January, kick-off 18:30) is clear: HSV, currently 14th in the table, face the league leaders, who have collected 50 points from a possible 57 so far.

“We’re really looking forward to testing ourselves against Bayern,” said HSV head coach Merlin Polzin. “They are by far the best team in Germany. In eight out of ten games, things would probably go the same way they did in the reverse fixture. Our aim is for it to be that ninth or tenth game. We want to play to our very best, and we’ll see on Saturday whether that’s enough,” stressed the Hamburg native.

HSV’s 5-0 defeat in Munich on matchday three showed “just how ruthless Bayern can be if you allow even the smallest moments,” Polzin added. At the same time, he noted that every team has its weaknesses – Bayern included, even if they may have fewer than HSV or other sides. “We’re looking to make the most of the few openings they offer,” said the 35-year-old as he outlined the approach for the weekend.

Trio carrying knocks

Three days after the 0-0 draw in the Hamburg derby away at FC St. Pauli, HSV resumed training on Monday (26tth January) with a view to the upcoming Bayern match. A total of 26 players, including four goalkeepers, were involved in the roughly hour-long session next to the Volksparkstadion. Captain Yussuf Poulsen continued to work individually with rehab coach Sebastian Capel as he steps up his comeback from an ankle injury. Robert Glatzel (illness), Damion Downs (calf) and Fabio Balde (thigh) missed Monday’s session due to minor issues.

No surgery for Rössing-Lelesiit, Hefti in talks with another club

Alexander Rössing-Lelesiit will be sidelined for a longer period after suffering a syndesmosis ligament tear in his ankle against St. Pauli. Following further examinations on Monday, it has been decided that the 19-year-old Norwegian will not require surgery and the injury will instead be treated conservatively as part of his rehabilitation over the coming months. Silvan Hefti is no longer training with the squad, as he is holding talks regarding his future.

On the training pitch, Polzin’s side focused on game-based drills and tactical work. Four more sessions remain before Saturday’s Bundesliga clash against Bayern – and a familiar heavyweight fixture returns to the Volksparkstadion once again.