After difficult weeks, Robert Glatzel made a remarkable comeback against Heidenheim. The striker reacted accordingly emotionally.
Robert Glatzel has experienced a true rollercoaster of emotions. After his surprising exclusion from the squad in the last league match against VfL Wolfsburg (0:1), the 31-year-old suddenly found himself back in the spotlight. And how: After being substituted in, he became the much-celebrated cup hero on Tuesday evening! In the narrow 1:0 victory in Heidenheim, Glatzel shot Hamburg into the DFB-Pokal round of 16 with a penalty.
“Football is sometimes crazy, I need to let that sink in first,” said Glatzel visibly moved after the match. “I wouldn’t have hoped to score the winning goal today after the weekend.” The striker entered the game after about an hour and immediately made his presence felt. In the 81st minute, he showed nerves of steel from the spot against a depleted Heidenheim and celebrated exuberantly afterward.
Moreover, in injury time, the 2024 second division top scorer almost set up the decisive 2:0, but Fabio Vieira squandered his strong assist carelessly.
Glatzel will be able to take it in stride. Even during the warm-up, the traveling HSV supporters celebrated him, later carrying him through the evening with chants. “The support from the fans is incredible,” the veteran rejoices. “What I’ve experienced in the last few days is overwhelming. I know I’m popular, but that every action is celebrated like this really moves me.”
His teammates and coach Merlin Polzin also paid respect to the goal-getter. Nicolai Remberg described Glatzel as a “true professional without any negativity,” even in difficult moments. Full-back Miro Muheim added: “He is a top player and a top person. We need him!”
Glatzel himself accepted all the affection with his typical modesty. “The whole team jumps on you,” he recalls beaming. “You realize that it’s not just joy about the goal, but also for me personally.”
