Season

Team news from the Volkspark ahead of home game against Freiburg

Merlin Polzin had close to a full squad at his disposal as preparations began for the home game against SC Freiburg. Fabio Vieira was absent for a rather unusual reason.

Merlin Polzin’s joy has not faded since HSV’s Bundesliga survival was confirmed last Sunday. “The feeling hasn’t changed over the last few days. I’m extremely happy that we’ve achieved our main goal,” said the Hamburg-born coach on Wednesday (6th May), speaking to the media at the training ground next to the Volksparkstadion. HSV are back out on the pitch, with their season still not over. Two Bundesliga games remain – first at home to SC Freiburg (10th May), then away at Bayer 04 Leverkusen (16th May).

For Polzin’s team, there can be no letting up. “Almost 60,000 people will be supporting us again on Sunday, and they will expect something from us too. We won’t be taking our foot off the gas, easing up or trying anything experimental. We’re not going to field 11 new players just because we’ve achieved our target. We’ll be looking very closely this week at who is ready to keep giving everything,” stressed Polzin.

Otto Stange missed Wednesday’s session with a cold, while Fabio Vieira was absent for a rather different reason. “We always have a little challenge on the first day of a training week, and over the course of the season Fabio has come out on top overall. That meant he earned a day off training, which he was allowed to take in agreement with the coaching staff. He’s done that now – and he has more than earned it,” explained the head coach. Alexander Rössing-Lelesiit, meanwhile, remains on the sidelines after suffering another ankle injury.

Jordan Torunarigha worked in the gym after his collision during the 2-1 away win in Frankfurt. Fortunately, the 28-year-old did not come off too badly from his aerial clash with Ansgar Knauff. “He still has a few tests to do, but things are looking good for him. He’ll be back out on the pitch tomorrow,” said Polzin. Miro Muheim also continued working towards his comeback, completing an individual programme away from the team with rehab coach Sebastian Capel. “Things are looking good with him too. If everything goes to plan, he should be involved in Leverkusen and get some minutes. We’ll have to wait and see whether Sunday comes too soon for him,” added Polzin.

The rest of the squad were fully committed on Wednesday. “Judging by today’s session, there is a real desire to win these remaining games. I have complete faith in all my lads. We are absolutely determined to be a difficult side to play against. Having secured survival, we now want to give the fans three points on Sunday as well,” said Polzin ahead of the final home game of the season.