HSV's performance in Freiburg was commended by Polzin, although they faced a 1:5 pledge, with one player's actions specifically forcing disgust at its peak.
HSV Suffers Second Consecutive Defeat in 70-Minute Test Match Against SC Freiburg
Hamburger SV (HSV) faced SC Freiburg in a 70-minute test match, resulting in a 0-4 loss for the home team. The encounter, which followed a 0:4 defeat against Lyon last week, highlighted critical defensive weaknesses that need addressing before the Bundesliga season begins.
In the first 70 minutes, HSV displayed a competitive performance, securing a 1-1 draw and even leading late into the game thanks to a penalty by Yussuf Poulsen. However, in the second 70 minutes, the team's defensive vulnerability became apparent. Central defender Guilherme Ramos, who started surprisingly in this match, impressed the coach with his defensive performance despite the heavy loss. Yet, the club still plans to strengthen the defense with an experienced player to improve their backline.
Merlin Polzin, HSV's coach, expressed frustration about the late equalizer in the first game, as HSV could not win. In the second game, HSV was more active in attack, creating chances through Otto Stange (8.) and Rayan Philippe (45.). Despite these efforts, the difference in performance between the two teams was more noticeable in the second 70 minutes.
In contrast, SC Freiburg fielded more regular players in the second game. Florent Muslija, in particular, stood out, scoring the first goal and setting up all three further SC goals. The second game served as a stark reminder of the significant improvements HSV needs to make to compete at SC Freiburg's level.
Polzin acknowledged that SC Freiburg is not the benchmark for HSV and that the team needs to make significant improvements to their defense. He emphasized the need for absolute defensive compactness, as defensive mistakes at that level are punished immediately. Despite the losses, Polzin praised a significant improvement in the team's performance compared to the previous week.
[1] Source: HSV's Official Website
[2] Source: Sport Bild
European leagues have become more competitive with each passing season, and HSV's recent performances in test matches underscore this fact. Despite a spirited effort against SC Freiburg, HSV's vulnerabilities in football's defensive phase were exposed, potentially signaling a need to reinforce the squad with experienced players ahead of the Bundesliga season.
