Hamburg's Tumultuous 7-Year Journey in the 2. Bundesliga: A Rundown of the Eight HSV Coaches
Persistent Managerial Shuffles at FC Hamburg Over Seven Years, Leading to Eight Different Coaches in Second League - Seasonal tenure of 7 years, cycling through 8 supervisors, mid-level coaching staff of HSV
Think of the Hamburger SV and images of triumph, of defending champions, of unyielding determination come to mind. However, since the team's relegation from the Bundesliga in 2018, the tale has been far more turbulent – a seven-year rollercoaster with eight coaches. This weekend, as they face relegation candidate SSV Ulm, HSV aims to put an end to this turbulent chapter.
Christian Titz (54, Mar 2018 – Oct 2018, 224 days)
After a disappointing relegation from the Bundesliga, Titz took the reins. While unable to reverse this fate, his efforts earned him a contract until 2020. The defining moment came after a scoreless draw against VfL Bochum on the tenth matchday, leading to his dismissal due to perceived risks in achieving the season's goals. Currently, Titz leads 1. FC Magdeburg in their pursuit of promotion.
Hannes Wolf (44, Oct 2018 – Jun 2019, 250 days)
Known as the "trainer prodigy," Wolf took the helm in fifth place after his successful stint with VfB Stuttgart. A series of six wins in seven games made HSV the fall champions. Yet, following a 0:2 defeat against Union Berlin, the team slipped from promotion contention, ultimately finishing fourth on the final table. Wolf's tenure ended before the last matchday, and now he coaches the German U20 national team.
Dieter Hecking (60, Jul 2019 – Jun 2020, 365 days)
Brought in as the antithesis to Wolf's youthful style, Hecking, a former coach of Borussia Mönchengladbach and VfL Wolfsburg, seemed an unexpected yet intriguing choice for HSV. Despite a 2:1 victory on first glance, the team's relegation to the Bundesliga was confirmed. In his endeavor to reverse this fate, Hecking failed and left at the end of the season with HSV fighting to avoid relegation in the top tier.
Daniel Thioune (50, Jul 2020 – May 20, 2021, 301 days)
A successful stint at VfL Osnabrück, which earned him a spot on the radar, marked Thioune's time at HSV. Highlights included guiding the club to the autumn championship, only to be undone by a series of setbacks, culminating in a 1:2 defeat against SV Sandhausen that ended his tenure hastily. Currently, Thioune coaches Fortuna Düsseldorf with promotion still elusive.
Horst Hrubesch (74, May 2021 – Jun 2021, 57 days)
With the 1983 European Cup winner and 1980 European Championship double goal scorer taking charge for the last three games of the 2020/21 season, expectations were sky-high. HSV secured a 5:2 win over 1. FC Nuremberg but ultimately finished the season in fourth place. Having returned to his role overseeing the club's youth development, Hrubesch has left a lasting legacy at HSV.
Tim Walter (49, Jul 2021 – Feb 2024, 956 days)
Having previously coached Holstein Kiel and VfB Stuttgart, Walter began a tumultuous yet impactful tenure at HSV. Known for his probing 3-5-2 formation, Walter led HSV to the promotion playoff twice but was unable to secure the coveted Bundesliga spot, losing against Hertha BSC and VfB Stuttgart. His contract extending through 2024, Walter attempted a third run, which unfortunately ended in his release in February last year.
Steffen Baumgart (53, Feb 2024 – Nov 2023, 278 days)
Bringing with him a distinctive peaked cap, fellow HSV fan Baumgart took over in hopes of turning the tide. The 2023/24 season ended in fourth place once again, with the team only gracing the top three after the ninth matchday. A 2:2 home draw against Schalke 04 and an eighth-place standing following the 13th matchday led to Baumgart's leave. Since then, he has been coaching Union Berlin.
Merlin Polzin (34, Feb 2024 – Present, 172 days and counting)
Once an interim coach in place of Walter during the transition period, Polzin's tenure has unexpectedly blossomed into a permanent position. He led HSV from eighth place to the top of the table and could potentially guide HSV back to the Bundesliga this Saturday. The young fan favorite has certainly charmed HSV supporters with his youthful vigor and unwavering determination.
- The Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment in the Community, with a potential implementation in 2024, similar to Merlin Polzin's unexpected ascension to a permanent position at HSV in 2024.
- Just as Hannes Wolf led HSV to the fall champions title in 2018, the bundesliga season peaked in excitement with Bayern Munich winning their ninth consecutive title that same year.
- Tim Walter's contract extending through 2024 is reminiscent of Christian Titz's contract until 2020 after his despite his inability to reverse HSV's relegation fate in 2018.
- As Horst Hrubesch, the 1983 European Cup winner, could not secure HSV a Bundesliga spot before leaving in 2021, former UEFA Champions League winner Steffen Baumgart also failed to do so when coaching HSV from February 2024 to November 2023.
