press conference

"We don’t need any more extra motivation"

Prior to the away game against SSV Jahn Regensburg, Hannes Wolf discussed personnel, the signing of Michael Mutzel and the upcoming opponents in the press conference.

“How well we have done so far in 2019 depends on this game.” This statement from Hannes Wolf in today’s press conference is emblematic of the expectations for the upcoming game (13:15 CET). From the five games played in 2019, HSV have won three, and last week drew in Heidenheim. Their one defeat came in a 2-0 loss in Bielefeld. A victory in Regensburg is especially important in order to maintain a good start to the season. The head coach announced today that the team will travel today to Regensburg.

In detail, the 37-year-old spoke about...

Having lost 5-0 in September, Hee-Chan Hwang and his teammates

...the game in September: That was all in all a difficult day. However, due to our position in the table, we are extremely motivated, regardless of the opposition. We do not have to look for revenge. We are already very motivated by what we want to do this season.

... the away performances since after the winter break: We didn’t play well in Kiel and so we lost. In Bielefeld, it was because of the red card. The 2-2 draw in Heidenheim was okay. The overall judgement on how this year has gone so far will depend on this game. If we win, then we have 10 points from five games and are still in the cup. If we don’t win, we still always have the opportunity to get promoted by the end of the season, but it would tarnish our good start to 2019.

... the signing of Michael Mutzel as sporting director: Until now we have never worked together before, but we have known each other. I was included in the decision process because the relationship between us must be extremely good. I am very sure that we will work well together and I’m looking forward to it. He has done a lot of work after he finished playing football and so he knows his way around.

After his two game ban, Gotoku Sakai will be available again for the game in Regensburg

... the personnel situation: Aaron Hunt is not an option for the game and this is because we want to give him some time in first team training before playing games again. Gideon Jung might be in the squad, but he won’t start. We need to see how he plays in training. Douglas Santos is however, fit again and can play. Gotoku Sakai is also available again after serving his suspension.

Lewis Holtby’s role last week: He worked hard over the winter and is without a doubt a great footballer. He is in superb shape and has a good attitude. He can train a lot and give us lots of energy. I am very satisfied with him and hope that he can once again give everything for the team.

... the strengths of the upcoming opponents: They are very unique in the way they play. Achim Beierlorzer worked at RB Leipzig for a long time and you can see it in their style of play. Regensburg play fast attacking football, run and spring a lot. They will want to make it hard for us in the midfield and we will have to react to that. We want to attack with speed and defend properly. That’s the job.