"We want to keep surfing the wave".

When Tim Walter entered the press conference room of the Volksparkstadion on Wednesday (28 September), he not only wore an HSV retro shirt, which will be available in the fan shops from now on, but also garnished his walk to the podium with the words "Tradition unites". Whether he was referring to the club's 135th birthday tomorrow (Thursday, 29 September) or the northern duel against Hannover 96 on Friday (30 September, kick-off: 6.30 p.m., live on HSVnetradio), about which he then answered questions, could unfortunately not be clarified. What did become clear, however, is that the football coach and his team are looking forward to the clash against the fourth-placed team from Lower Saxony after the international break. 

Tim Walter spoke in detail about...

... the expected game: We are looking forward to the game. There are two good teams playing, both are very ambitious. Anyone who has seen us at home and away this season knows that we have created something. We have created an identity. That's why there's euphoria not only with Hannover, but also with us. You can see that a lot of fans always accompany us away from home. We want to carry on our way and keep surfing the wave. That's our incentive and our drive. 

... the upcoming opponent: Hannover invested a little before the season to be exactly where they are now. They also hired a new coach. At the end of last season, they showed what they are capable of. From there, it was predictable that they would be where they are now.

"He can bring the euphoria with him" - Tim Walter on Ransford Königsdörffer's international debut.

... the international appearances of Königsdörffer and Vuskovic: "I am very happy for both of them. Ransi played with great players against great teams with Ghana and celebrated his first minutes in the second game. We can gladly add more. It's a great experience for the boy. He can bring the euphoria with him here.

Mario's performance was emblematic for him. He took the first penalty kick and put it in. He represents us, the energy, the passion and the greed. The boys have developed brutally. That's what we stand for, too. The qualification for the European Championship gives him an additional incentive. 

... a possible use of Dompe: It's getting better day by day. Today he was on the treadmill. Let's wait and see what tomorrow and the day after will bring.