The Hamburger SV coaching staff, led by manager Merlin Polzin, is set to sign contract extensions running through 2029 despite the club enduring a difficult start to the Bundesliga season, according to reports from Sky Sport and Bild.
The agreements, which are scheduled for signatures by Thursday or Friday, cover Polzin alongside assistant coaches Loic Favé and Richard Krohn. According to the reports, the new terms are strictly valid for the Bundesliga, providing stability for the technical team even as the Hanseaten sit at the bottom of the table without a point from their opening three fixtures and a goal differential of 0:12.
Direktor Profifußball Claus Costa and Vorstand Sport Kathleen Krüger have maintained full backing for the coaching staff through the early struggles. Krüger signaled the direction of the club ahead of the announcement, telling DAZN on Sunday, “We know that we will go into the future together.”
Contract Structure Tied to Top-Flight Status
Polzin’s previous contract was originally set to expire in 2027. By pushing the expiration date out to 2029, the club’s leadership is signaling long-term confidence in the 35-year-old manager and his staff, though the restriction of the deal applying exclusively to the top tier adds a clear operational parameter regarding the club’s division status.
The coaching team has faced immediate pressure. However, internal discussions between club executives and the bench resulted in an extension rather than a shakeup.
Departures and Surroundings at the Volksparkstadion
While the club secures its technical staff, familiar figures continue to transition away from the pitch. Former HSV defensive midfielder Tomás Rincón announced his retirement from professional football on Wednesday through social media. Rincón, known to fans as “El General,” made 128 competitive appearances for the Rothosen between 2009 and 2014 before playing for Juventus, Genoa, Torino, Sampdoria, and Santos, alongside setting a record with 143 caps for the Venezuela national team.
Meanwhile, stadium announcer Christian “Stübi” Stübinger will be absent from his customary role during Hamburg’s upcoming home fixture against Köln. Stübinger is scheduled to co-host the Radio Hamburg “Stars for Free 2026” concert at the adjacent Barclays Arena.
HSV returns to competitive action as the club looks to secure its first points of the Bundesliga campaign.
