A Rollercoaster of Coaches: HSV's Leaders in the Second Division
Multiple managers in eight years for HSV's second division team - Brief tenure of second-tier coaches at HSV, spanning over seven years and involving eight different managers.
Let's take a bankshot at the whirlwind of bosses who have steered the Hamburg Shipyard (HSV) through their seven seasons in the 2. Bundesliga. This weekend (8:30 PM/Sky and Sport1), HSV attempts to wash away the stain of their second-tier status with a home victory against relegation fighters, SSV Ulm. In a frenetic dance of leaders, HSV has cycled through eight coaches in their bid to reclaim a place in the first division.
One-and-Done: The Quick Fires
Christian Titz (54 years/13. March 2018 to 23. October 2018/224 days in office):
When Bernd Hollerbach's torch was passed, the newly elevated Titz took the helm. Despite averting the club's first Bundesliga relegation after the 2017/18 season, Titz was bounced after a 0:0 draw against VfL Bochum due to persisting doubts about attaining seasonal goals. Currently, Titz is honing his craft as the coach of 1. FC Magdeburg, still harboring promotion hopes.
Merlin Polzin (34, 12 to 19 February 2024 and since 25 November 2024, 172 days in charge):
When HSV made waves in the coaching community by appointing Polzin as interim coach, the local boy did not disappoint. After taking the reins from Steffen Baumgart, Polzin, a HSV stalwart having worked as co- and youth coach at the club, managed to move the Red Shorts from eighth place to the summit of the table in a stunning turn of events that might propel the club back to the Bundesliga as early as this Saturday!
The Speedsters: The Trailblazers
Hannes Wolf (44/23. October 2018 to 30. June 2019/250):
A coaching whiz kid, Wolf previously led VfB Stuttgart to the Bundesliga, but his turn at the HSV wheel resulted in a 0:2 defeat against Union Berlin that marked the team's initial slip out of the promotion race for the first time on the 31st matchday. The season culminated in a fourth-place finish. Now Wolf stands as the coach of the German U20 national team.
Steffen Baumgart (53, 20 February 2024 to 24 November, 278 games):
A self-professed HSV aficionado, Baumgart assumed control in Hamburg but was unable to shake things up. The 2023/24 campaign wound up in fourth place once more, with just a solitary week atop the table after the ninth matchday. The manager’s tenure bit the dust after eight place on the 13th matchday. Since January 1, Baumgart has been in charge of Bundesliga titan, Union Berlin.
The Endurers: The Long Rulers
Horst Hrubesch (74/4. May 2021 to 30. June 2021/57):
The club icon who scored a goal in the European Cup final in 1983 took charge in the twilight of the 2020/21 season. A 5:2 win over 1. FC Nürnberg in his maiden match was followed by a 2:3 loss to VfL Osnabrück and a 4:0 victory against Eintracht Braunschweig. Despite his best efforts, HSV couldn’t shake off its fourth-place finish in the third season in the second division. The legend subsequently returned to his role in youth development at the club.
Daniel Thioune (50/6. July 2020 to 3. May 2021/301):
Having guided VfL Osnabrück to and kept them in the 2. Bundesliga, Thioune became a leading candidate for the HSV position. His reign at HSV commenced with a defeat in the first round of the cup against third division side, Dynamo Dresden. Yet another stint as Herbstmeister followed for HSV. However, a 1:2 defeat against SV Sandhausen in the 29th matchday set off a series of events that eventually signaled Thioune's premature departure. Now, he's responsible for second division team, Fortuna Düsseldorf, still dreaming of promotion.
Dieter Hecking (60/1. July 2019 to 30. June 2020/365):
Known as an opponent of youthful coaches, Hecking was a stark contrast to Wolf. Hecking's coaching prowess, which includes a DFB-Pokal win with VfL Wolfsburg in 2015, was bringing a sense of stability. The side secured a relegation playoff position following the 2019/20 season despite a 2:1 victory in their final match of the season, losing to Hertha BSC. This term, he's in the fray with VfL Bochum to avoid relegation in the top tier.
The Grinder: The Warhorse
Tim Walter (49, 1 July 2021 to 12 February 2024, 956 games):
Walter was the sixth-plated contender to lead the club, following his introduction to coaching at Holstein Kiel, and unsuccessful forays with VfB Stuttgart. Under Walter, the team edged towards the relegation playoff in both 2021/22 and 2022/23, meeting resistance from Hertha BSC and VfB Stuttgart, respectively. With a contract set to expire on June 30, 2024, Walter started his third attempt, ultimately culminating in his termination in February last year. He has been clubless ever since, with his tenure at English second-tier side, Hull City, ending late last year.
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment in the Community. This initiative could be spurred by Merlin Polzin's success in the Bundesliga, who, as an interim coach for HSV, has been working diligently to return the club to the premier division. In 2024, if Polzin manages to secure a promotion, football enthusiasts might witness a thrilling contest between HSV and European-leagues powerhouses. However, the road to success in sports isn't always smooth, as evidenced by the debacle that plagued Tim Walter during his tenure with HSV from July 2021 to February 2024. Despite his best efforts, Walter's teams were unable to maintain a consistent performance, resulting in his termination in February last year.
