Failed relegation
HSV relies on continuity and wants to strengthen the squad
After the failed relegation, HSV continues to focus on continuity. photo
© Marcus Brandt/dpa
After the failed promotion to the Bundesliga, Hamburger SV does not want to bring about any major changes. Coach Tim Walter has one wish with regard to the squad.
Second division soccer team Hamburger SV wants to continue on the path they have chosen even after the failed relegation.
The foundations have stabilized over the course of the season, said HSV sports director Jonas Boldt after the 3-1 defeat in the second leg against VfB Stuttgart. “We have to keep building on that.”
In the coming season, Boldt “of course” wants to go with coach Tim Walter. With the Hamburgers, Walter scored 66 points in the past season – more than in any other second division season. The team should also be kept together as much as possible. “Basically, it is very important to us to continue in the same way and to strengthen the squad,” said Walter.
“Will have a lot of conversations”
Players like Robert Glatzel or Ludovit Reis are considered possible farewell candidates. It is also unclear how midfield director Sonny Kittel will continue from the summer – his contract is expiring. “We’re going to have a lot of talks,” said Walter. Boldt also raised hopes that the key players would stay: “They know what they have in Hamburg and in us.”
The past season was the “most intense” season for him, said Boldt. After the final whistle of the last second division game against SV Sandhausen, Hamburger SV had already celebrated direct re-emergence when competitor 1. FC Heidenheim turned over their parallel game in added time and sent the Hanseatic League into relegation again. “Unfortunately, we were missing a point or three minutes at the end,” said Boldt.
In the first leg of the relegation against VfB Stuttgart it was 0:3. In the second leg, Hamburg was able to take the lead early on and put pressure on the Swabians. In the second half, Stuttgart got into the game better and made everything clear with three goals.
