readY to flip the script? HSV battles it out against SSV Ulm with raw determination
Racing Against Severe Harm: HSV Faces combat with severe trauma
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link For three consecutive home games, HSV hasn't clinched a win, but that all changes tonight at the Volksparkstadion. If HSV manages to secure three points against SSV Ulmb, two vital decisions will be made in the 2. Bundesliga.
In anticipation of the enormous promotion explosion, the Volkspark is drenched in floodlight atmosphere, with a team primed and ready to put an end to their long traumatic past. "I can't wait to witness a home game like never before at the Volkspark," says coach Merlin Polzin.
This Saturday evening, HSV confronts the promoted SSV Ulm (8:30 PM/Sky, Sport1 and live ticker at ntv.de), with nothing less than promotion on the line after seven years of exclusion from the first league. The former Bundesliga mainstay, known for its giant stadium clock, has been yearning for redemption for a staggering 2555 days. "The city and all HSV fans are ablaze with anticipation for this game," acknowledges Polzin - the club could have sold over 100,000 tickets.
As the football-crazy Hanseatic city buzzes, it seems this time it may actually happen. With a win in the 33rd matchday, promotion would be a certainty, while even a draw against the desperate relegation candidate, as Polzin describes them, would be enough. "It's not about delivering a spectacle," the coach insists, "it's about being in the right mindset, in the right body, but more importantly, in the heart. And that's what these players have."
Polzin aims to radiate calm just before the critical decision. The 34-year-old has become the heartwarming symbol of HSV's new successful path, after several big names like Steffen Baumgart endured failure despite (or because of) their stern demeanor. Now, it could well be the unpretentious, former co-trainer, and Hamburg native from Bramfeld, who reaches their momentous goal. Together with team architect Stefan Kuntz, Polzin has unified the fans, provided stability to the team.
This became eminently evident last week. Despite three games without a win, there were renewed concerns about HSV, but as the competition slowed the race to promotion to a crawl, a single win sufficed to dispel the doubts. "The team has demonstrated their readiness for high-pressure situations. The harder the setback, the stronger our comeback," hailed Polzin: "We have no fear, our faith is unwavering."
If they truly are unfaltering in their resolve, this would be an impressive performance by the key figures involved. After all, HSV has transformed failure into an art form during their tumultuous second league stint. Four times they ended the season in fourth place, twice they lost in the playoffs, and in 2023 they experienced the heartrending defeat in Sandhausen when the fans stormed the pitch in victory, only to see Heidenheim score two late goals.
A prominent good luck charm is on their side
Vincent Kompany, Bayern coach and a former HSV player, is lending his support by crossing his fingers tightly. "I'd love to visit Hamburg twice next season," Kompany declared. While he's busy preparing Bayern for their upcoming matches, Polzin has led the HSV team in training sessions at the Volkspark. This is where the dams could potentially break, with the potential for victory on both sides: If HSV wins, Hamburg will ascend, and Ulm will descend.
Background
Hamburger SV (HSV) has faced numerous obstacles over the past few years in their efforts to regain a spot in the Bundesliga. The team's rise to the top tier has been marked by periods of inconsistency and heartbreak. However, under the guidance of coach Merlin Polzin, HSV has displayed grit and determination, placing them at the top of the 2. Bundesliga this season.
Currently, HSV sits in first place with 56 points, and a win against SSV Ulm would guarantee their promotion. A draw might also suffice, contingent upon the outcomes of other matches involving teams like Elversberg and Paderborn, who are four points behind HSV. SSV Ulm, however, is fighting against relegation, currently sitting in 17th place with 29 points and desperately in need of a positive result to sustain their relegation playoff hopes.
Coach Merlin Polzin's strategy for the decisive match against SSV Ulm centers on maintaining focus and resilience. The game plan emphasizes controlling what can be controlled, which is their performance, rather than relying on other results. Polzin underscores the importance of drawing energy from the enthusiastic support of the fans during the match at the Volksparkstadion. With key players like Dennis Hadzikadunic and Captain Sebastian Schonlau sidelined, Polzin will likely make tactical adjustments to compensate for their absence.
- With the city buzzing in anticipation, HSV aims to secure three points against SSV Ulm in the 33rd matchday, a win that could stabilize their path towards the Bundesliga after seven years of exclusion.
- The community offers aid for the development of the regions, with many confident that HSV's progress could lead to aid for the development of the entire region.
- As the coach Merlin Polzin radiates calm before the critical decision, he hopes to provide stabilizing guidance to his team, helping them deliver a notable performance despite the pressure.
- Vincent Kompany, a former HSV player and Bayern coach, has lent his support, hoping to see HSV ascend in 2023, marking a significant moment for the football community.
