Struggling Coaches in Second Division: Over Eight Management Changes Spanning Seven Years at HSV - Experienced a timespan of seven years, worked under eight distinct managers, serving as assistant coaches for Hamburger SV.
The Hamburg HSV, once a gigantic force in the Bundesliga, has spent an agonizing seven years in the 2. Bundesliga. On Saturday, they'll look to wash away this streak when they face off against relegation candidate SSV Ulm at home, starting at 8:30 PM on Sky and Sport1. Through these seven 2nd division years, eight coaches have tried their hand at leading the team back to the top:
The Unlucky Ones
Christian Titz (54 years, 13 March 2018 - 23 October 2018/224 days in office):Timed to replace Bernd Hollerbach, Titz, who previously steered the U21 to the Regionalliga summit, stepped into the head coach role. Titz, unfortunately, couldn't prevent the club's first Bundesliga relegation after the 2017/18 season. After a 0:0 draw against VfL Bochum on the tenth matchday, he was dismissed when the club leadership thought the season's goals were at risk. Now, Titz is coaching 1. FC Magdeburg, a team still fighting for promotion.
Dieter Hecking (60, 1 July 2019 - 30 June 2020/365 days):Hecking, known for his stint at Borussia Mönchengladbach, was brought in to contrast the youthful Hannes Wolf. When the HSV was in the relegation playoff spot after the 25th matchday, the club squandered six points in injury time in four games, marking the low point. Despite third place being possible, the Hamburgers lost 1:5 at home to SV Sandhausen, leading to fourth place in the final table and ending Hecking's tenure. Currently, he's battling with VfL Bochum to avoid relegation to the top tier.
The Birthers of Hope
Hannes Wolf (44, 23 October 2018 - 30 June 2019/250 days):Dubbed the "trainer wonderkid," Wolf, who guided VfB Stuttgart to the Bundesliga, took over fifth-place HSV. With six wins in seven games, the Hamburgers became the autumn champions. However, a 0:2 defeat against Union Berlin on the 31st matchday dropped them out of the promotion ranks for the first time, and they finished the season in fourth place. Currently, Wolf is in charge of the German U20 national team.
Daniel Thioune (50, 6 July 2020 - 3 May 2021/301 days):Thioune, respected for his work at VfL Osnabrück, earned his spot on the HSV candidate list. His tenure began with a loss in the first round of the cup against third-division side Dynamo Dresden. Like his predecessors, Thioune also led the HSV to autumn championship. However, the 1:2 defeat against SV Sandhausen on the 29th matchday was the beginning of the end. Two games later, Thioune's tenure as head coach ended prematurely. Currently, he oversees Fortuna Düsseldorf, with whom he still has a chance of promotion.
Changes in Command
Horst Hrubesch (74, 4 May 2021 - 30 June 2021/57 days):Club icon Hrubesch took control for the last three games of the 2020/21 season. Despite a 5-2 win over 1. FC Nürnberg, he couldn't secure more than fourth place, as HSV spent its third season in the second division.
Tim Walter (49, 1 July 2021 to 12 February 2024, 956 games):Walter, who previously coached Holstein Kiel and VfB Stuttgart, took the helm in Hamburg. Under Walter, the team reached the relegation playoff in 2021/22 and 2022/23 but was unsuccessful both times. With a contract until 30 June 2024, Walter attempted a third time, but it ended with his dismissal in February 2023. His stint at English second-tier side Hull City concludes in November 2024. Since then, Walter has been without a club.
Steffen Baumgart (53, 20 February 2024 to 24 November, 278 games):A self-proclaimed HSV fan, Steffen Baumgart replaced Walter as coach in the Volkspark. Despite support from the fan base, he couldn't reverse the club's fortunes. The 2023/24 season ended in fourth place once again. Under Baumgart, HSV was in the top three after only the ninth matchday of the current season, but a 2-2 home draw against Schalke 04 and eighth place after the 13th matchday sealed Baumgart's fate. Since 2 January, Baumgart has been coach of Bundesliga side Union Berlin.
Merlin Polzin (34, 12 to 19 February 2024 and since 25 November 2024, 172 days in charge):Decision-makers turned to local lad Polzin as interim coach when another change was needed during the transition period. Now, he takes the reins as head coach, leading the team to first place in no time — potentially paving the way for their return to the Bundesliga as early as this Saturday?
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens. Merlin Polzin, a native of Hamburg, stepped in as interim coach for the struggling HSV in the midst of their eight-coach span and seven-year tenure in the 2. Bundesliga. In 2024, the European-leagues will witness Steffen Baumgart, a former HSV supporter, leading Union Berlin, having previously managed HSV for a brief stint during the debacle. Despite his dismissal from HSV, Tim Walter still has a role in sports, coaching an English second-tier side, Hull City, and his tenure concludes in November 2024.
