Hamburger SV and trainer Dieter Hecking will go their separate ways in the future. The second division announced this on its website. The decision was made after “detailed analysis and alignment talks” between 55-year-old Hecking and sports director Jonas Boldt. The “Bild” had previously reported about a possible farewell of the coach.
“I started here a year ago to achieve the big goal of Hamburger SV together with the club’s managers,” said Hecking: “We did a lot last season: we played a good first half of the season, satisfied the fans, mastered several very difficult situations around the team and also guided HSV in a calmer way. But we did not achieve the desired goal. I take responsibility for that. “
The club’s declared goal was to return to the Bundesliga. Hecking took up the job at Hamburger SV as an experienced promotion coach. In 2002 he led VfB Lübeck to the second division and 2006 Alemania Aachen to the Bundesliga. He could not repeat these successes in Hamburg and so his time at HSV ends after only one season.
Sports director Boldt spoke of an “open, honest exchange”. The club sees itself “forced to take a different path”. Dimitrios Grammozis is a possible successor to the coaching position. The Greek looked after Darmstadt 98 until the end of the season and last led the lilies to fifth place in the table – just two points behind HSV.
The 41-year-old had already decided against a contract extension with his employer in February, so the coach would be freely available. For Grammozis, an engagement in Hamburg would be a return, from 1998 to 2000 he was active as a midfielder at HSV.
