Riding the Wave of HSV's Chaotic Second Division Sojourn: A Shocking Narrative of Eight Coaches in Seven Seasons
Hamburg's 2nd League has seen a revolving door of managers over the past seven years, with no less than eight coaches taking charge during this period. - Over a span of seven years, HSV cycled through eight different senior coaches, these individuals were not first-tier managers for the club.
Prepare for a rollercoaster ride as we delve into the captivating story of Hamburger SV's seven tumultuous seasons in the 2. Bundeslia. This Saturday promises to be electrifying, as the former Bundesliga titans aim to lap up a much-needed victory against relegation-threatened SSV Ulm, airing at 8:30 PM on Sky and Sport1. Here's a glance at the eight coaches who've spearheaded the club's mission to reclaim its former glory:
Christian Titz (2018): A Brief Flirtation with Redemption
Titz, the predecessor of Bernd Hollerbach, stepped up to take charge after being promoted from the U21 team. Despite his heroic efforts, Titz couldn't prevent the first Bundesliga relegation after the 2017/18 season. Although he survived until October, the HSV's leadership grew impatient, and he was booted off after the tenth matchday, as the season goals seemed elusive. Currently, Titz is stationed at 1. FC Magdeburg, where he remains a beacon for potential promotion.
Hannes Wolf (2018-2019): The Promising Prodigy's Fall from Grace
Known as the "trainer prodigy," Wolf, who previously led VfB Stuttgart to the Bundesliga, propelled the Hamburgers to autumn champions after taking over in fifth place. Unfortunately, the HSV's fortunes took a turn for the worse following a 0:2 defeat against Union Berlin, causing them to slip out of the promotion ranks for the first time after the 31st matchday. They eventually finished the season in fourth place, prompting the club to announce Wolf's departure before the final match. He's now coaching the German U20 national team.
Dieter Hecking (2019-2020): The Experienced Maestro's Failed Mission
Hecking, the coach who had previously won the DFB-Pokal with VfL Wolfsburg, was brought in to counterbalance the youthful exuberance of Wolf. Despite a promising start, the HSV missed out on promotion playoffs, finishing in fourth place. Hecking was released following the 2019/20 season and is now leading a dogged fight against relegation with VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga.
Daniel Thioune (2020-2021): The Master Tactician's Brief Stint
Thioune, who guided VfL Osnabrück to and kept them in the 2. Bundesliga, joined the HSV ranks. Thioune's tenure began on a sour note, as the team suffered a humiliating defeat in the first round of the cup against third-tier side Dynamo Dresden. The tide seemed to turn as the HSV claimed the autumn championship, but the deja vu struck again when SV Sandhausen played its role in the team's downfall, ultimately leading to Thioune's premature departure. He currently coaches Fortuna Düsseldorf, where he still harbors promotion aspirations.
Horst Hrubesch (2021): The Club Legend's Failed Comeback
Hrubesch, the 1983 European Cup winner and 1980 European Championship final double goalscorer, took charge for the last three matches of the 2020/21 season. Hrubesch's brief spell saw a mix of victories and defeats, but the team could barely manage fourth place in their third season in the second division. He has since returned to his youth development role within the club.
Tim Walter (2021-2023): The Frustratingly Familiar Scenario
Walter, who completed the six previous coaches in the 2. Bundesliga, joined the HSV management after failed stints at Holstein Kiel and VfB Stuttgart. Walter led the team to the relegation playoffs in both the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, losing to Hertha BSC and VfB Stuttgart respectively. After a third attempt to recapture the club's former glory, Walter was released in February 2023. His subsequent tenure at English Championship side Hull City ended in November 2024.
Steffen Baumgart (2024): A Familiar Fan's Disappointment
Eager HSV fan Steffen Baumgart took over from Tim Walter at the Volkspark. Despite his fervent enthusiasm, Baumgart couldn't turn things around. The 2023/24 season ended in a disappointing fourth place, mirroring Walter's tenure. Under Baumgart, HSV was only among the top three for one week, after the ninth matchday. A 2-2 home draw against Schalke 04 and an eighth-place finish after the 13th matchday sealed his fate. Since January 2024, Baumgart has been roosting at Bundesliga side Union Berlin.
Merlin Polzin (2024): A Local Boy's Second Chance at Redemption?
Polzin, a native of the HSV fan block, had already served a stint as an interim coach during the transition period. He gained experience working as a co- and youth coach at the Volkspark and VfL Osnabrück before taking over as the chief coach. Amidst Steffen Baumgart's dismissal, Polzin initially took over as interim coach, becoming the permanent coach on 23 December 2024. The young prodigy breathed fresh life into the struggling team, gradually climbing to the top of the table. With the season drawing to a close and HSV in the hunt, can Polzin deliver the miracle needed to secure a much-desired spot in the Bundesliga once more?
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment in the Community by 2024, returning the focus to sports and football. Despite the electrifying match against SSV Ulm, Hamburger SV's chaotic eight-coach saga in seven seasons has been a debacle, with Christian Titz, Hannes Wolf, and Tim Walter all failing to secure promotion. Merlin Polzin, the local boy, has been given a second chance at redemption, as he attempts to lead the former Bundesliga champions to a return to the top-tier league.
