Stefan Kuntz approaches his new role as board member at HSV with “great ambition” – and despite missing out on promotion, continues to rely on head coach Steffen Baumgart. In his opinion, a separation would be “not HSV-like”.
It was the most pressing question after Stefan Kuntz replaced Jonas Boldt as the strong man at Hamburger SV: What will happen next with coach Steffen Baumgart? And Kuntz had a clear answer at his official presentation on Thursday afternoon: “Yes, we will continue with Steffen Baumgart. We sat together for four hours yesterday and discussed a lot of topics. And again today. Steffen has not yet completed any preparation here, has not yet been able to implement any transfer ideas. That’s why I don’t think it’s HSV-like to question the coach now. That’s why we will continue with him.”
Kuntz convinces the supervisory board with his analysis
The seventh attempt to return to the Bundesliga will be made next season. That is of course the goal again. “God has given me great ambition and a healthy work ethic. We want to approach the new season with a lot of emotions – and these have to pass on from us to the fans,” emphasized Kuntz and added: “If we succeed, then we will stand We are looking forward to a truly extraordinary season.”
“Why I’m here has three letters: HSV.”
— Stefan Kuntz
Five of these missed promotions occurred under Boldt’s aegis. And even though he had been very confident, the 42-year-old was not allowed to continue.
Chairman of the supervisory board Michael Papenfuß, who also confirmed talks with Felix Magath, reported on Thursday about the good talks with Kuntz, who were “immediately on the same wavelength.” Papenfuß also explained: “His analysis and his ideas meant that we absolutely wanted to sign him.”
And Kuntz was also quickly excited by HSV’s request. “The images from the north stand immediately came to mind. That gave me goosebumps. That’s why I realized very quickly that I could imagine the job at HSV. Now I’m happy that I’m taking up this job here may.”
Kuntz on the HSV request: “Heart was bubbling”
Kuntz was able to enthusiastically rave about what makes HSV so fascinating. The great fans, the emotions that this club still inspires, the greatness of the club. The 61-year-old was deeply impressed by all of this. “The heart was bubbling a bit,” said Kuntz when the request came from HSV. He even got “goosebumps” on the phone: “My wife asked: Who was that?”
It was Hamburger SV, which will start preparing for the new season in five weeks. “We have to do a good job and make good decisions,” stressed Kuntz, who felt it was important to mention the good “handover” from his predecessor Boldt. And of course the 1996 European champions would like to see “HSV in the Bundesliga.” That’s all that matters.
This topic in the program:
Hamburg Journal | May 23, 2024 | 19:30 o’clock
