Season

Squad update from the Volkspark ahead of Bayern clash

HSV continued their preparations for the away game away at FC Bayern on Tuesday, with Jordan Torunarigha and Jean-Luc Dompé taking part in some of team training.

After starting the week with a special boxing session, the focus was back on football on Tuesday (9th September). “For us it’s always about fresh ideas. They bring a different energy to the group and also help in learning to overcome challenges – in both football and in life,” said head coach Merlin Polzin, reflecting positively on the previous day’s foray into the boxing ring.

Back on the pitch in the morning, Polzin had 24 outfield players and four goalkeepers at his disposal. Both Dompé and Torunarigha took part in sections of the session after working individually last week. “The break came at the right time for Jordan. We were able to treat him differently and give him a few extra days. We now need to see how he responds to today’s reintroduction, but we’re optimistic for Saturday,” explained Polzin. “With Jean-Luc, the goal is to gradually increase his workload so that he’s fully fit. Whether that means he’s ready to start is another matter.”

Polzin welcomed Giorgi Gocholeishvili and Aboubaka Soumahoro back to training.

The head coach also welcomed back Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Warmed Omari, Aboubaka Soumahoro and Alexander Rössing-Lelesiit from international duty, with their workload in team training carefully managed. New signing Sambi Lokonga, meanwhile, completed an individual running programme. With the Bayern trip looming, the workload in training will now increase step by step. “We have a big squad that gives us plenty of options,” said Polzin. On Wednesday (10th September), Immanuel Pherai, Silvan Hefti and Gui Ramos will therefore play for HSV’s U21s in their league fixture against HSC Hannover. “There are different reasons for that. For Manu it’s extremely important to get minutes under his belt. He’s delighted to have the chance and is eager to play. Gui and Silvan know their situation. It’s an opportunity for them to get minutes we can’t currently offer them. At the same time, it’s important for us to support each other as a club. It also helps the U21 side to have some reinforcement,” noted the coach.

While the U21s gear up for their eighth game in the Regionalliga Nord, the spotlight is already on Saturday’s primetime clash on matchday 3 in the Bundesliga. The anticipation within the first team is clear. “We’re hugely excited for this game,” Polzin admitted. “It’s something very special. We’re playing against one of the best teams in Europe. We’ve worked extremely hard to earn the right to face Bayern in a competitive fixture. We’ll prepare thoroughly and travel there with a clear idea of how we want to play.” He added: “We’re in a process that takes time and continues to move forward every day. The way we present ourselves with and without the ball is non-negotiable. That will be a major focus in our preparations, so we stay on course with our identity.”