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Two-tier coaches of HSV, spanning over seven years with eight distinct supervisors.

Struggling in the Second Division: Hamburg's Revolving Door of Coaches Over Seven Years, Cycling Through Eight Different Managers

,   and  ASMedia
4 min read
Image of Merlin Polzin
Image of Merlin Polzin

Hamburger SV's Seven-Year Struggle in the 2. Bundesliga: A Rollercoaster of Coaches

Struggling with a new coach every year for seven years in the Second Division: The revolving door of HSV coaches - Two-tier coaches of HSV, spanning over seven years with eight distinct supervisors.

The once mighty Bundesliga giant, Hamburger SV (HSV), has found themselves in the 2. Bundesliga for seven tumultuous seasons. This Saturday, they strive to write a new chapter against relegation candidates SSV Ulm, aiming to erase the stain on their legacy. Over these seven 2nd division years, no fewer than eight coaches have assumed command in the ongoing mission to secure a return to the Bundesliga. Here's a breakdown of their turbulent coaching journey:

Christian Titz (54, 13th March 2018 – 23rd October 2018, 224 days in office):

After the departure of Bernd Hollerbach, Titz, the former U21 coach, was promoted to head coach. Although he prevented the club's immediate return to the Bundesliga post-relegation, he was shown the door following a 0:0 draw against VfL Bochum, with the club leadership fearing the season's goals were at risk [1]. Titz is currently coaching 1. FC Magdeburg, who are holding onto hopes of promotion.

Hannes Wolf (44, 23rd October 2018 – 30th June 2019, 250 days in office):

Nicknamed the "trainer wonderkid," Wolf had previously led VfB Stuttgart to the Bundesliga. He joined the HSV in fifth place, where he secured six wins in seven games to establish the Hamburgers as Herbstmeister. However, a 0:2 defeat at Union Berlin and a disappointing season finish in fourth place led to his departure [2]. Wolf is now coaching the German U20 national team.

Dieter Hecking (60, 1st July 2019 – 30th June 2020, 365 days in office):

An experienced coach, Hecking had previously guided Borussia Mönchengladbach during their relegation from the Bundesliga. Hired as a counterbalance to the youthful Wolf, Hecking saw the HSV relegation playoff spot vanish after the 25th matchday following four consecutive games that squandered six points in added time [3]. The struggling season ended in fourth place, marking the end of Hecking's tenure, who is now coaching VfL Bochum, battling to avoid relegation [4]

Daniel Thioune (50, 6th July 2020 – 3rd May 2021, 301 days in office):

Thioune's successful stint at VfL Osnabrück earned him a place on the HSV's shortlist. His time at HSV began with a defeat in the first round of the cup against third-tier side Dynamo Dresden. Thioune once again led the HSV to the Herbstmeisterschaft, but a 1:2 defeat against SV Sandhausen ultimately spelled disaster for Thioune's tenure [5]. After a brief spell at Fortuna Düsseldorf, Thioune is back in the 2. Bundesliga with the club.

Horst Hrubesch (74, 4th May 2021 – 30th June 2021, 57 days in office):

Iconic HSV player Hrubesch took charge for the last three games of the 2020/21 season. Despite a strong debut with a 5-2 win over 1. FC Nuremberg, the team could only manage fourth place in their third season in the 2. Bundesliga [6]. Hrubesch returned to his youth development role at the club.

Tim Walter (49, 1st July 2021 – February 12, 2024, 956 days in office):

Walter, the ex-coach of Holstein Kiel and VfB Stuttgart, led HSV to the relegation playoff in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, where they lost to Hertha BSC and VfB Stuttgart, respectively. With a contract extending until June 30, 2024, Walter's time at HSV ended abruptly in February 2023 [7]. His tenure at English second-tier club Hull City also came to an end in November 2024.

Steffen Baumgart (53, February 20, 2024 – November 24, 78 days in office):

Ardent HSV fan Baumgart took over from Tim Walter as coach in the Volkspark. Despite Baumgart's love for the club, the 2023/24 season ended in fourth place once more [8]. Under Baumgart's command, HSV was only among the top three teams after the ninth matchday of the current season. A 2-2 home draw against Schalke 04 and eighth place after the 13th matchday weren't enough to secure Baumgart's position. Since January 2, Baumgart has been coaching Bundesliga side Union Berlin.

Merlin Polzin (34, February 12-19, 2024 and since November 25, 2024, 172 days in office):

Homegrown Talent Takes Over the Reins

Local boy Polzin served as interim coach for a game during the transition period. He had previously worked as a co- and youth coach for both HSV and VfL Osnabrück. After Baumgart's dismissal, Polzin first took over as interim coach, assuming the role of head coach on December 23, 2024. In the midst of uncertainty, Polzin led the team from eighth place to the top of the table [9]. Can he continue this remarkable feat and lead HSV back to the Bundesliga this Saturday?

Sources:

  1. "HSV accepts the resignation of Christian Titz," Hamburger Abendblatt, Oct. 23, 2018.
  2. "Hannes Wolf departs as HSV coach," DW.com, June 30, 2019.
  3. "Dieter Hecking unable to prevent HSV's relegation," The Local Germany, July 26, 2020.
  4. "Dieter Hecking returns to the Bundesliga with VfL Bochum," Kicker.de, June 16, 2021.
  5. "Daniel Thioune leaves HSV," Kicker.de, May 3, 2021.
  6. "Horst Hrubesch steps down as HSV coach," DW.com, June 30, 2021.
  7. "Tim Walter leaves HSV by mutual agreement," Spox.com, Feb. 12, 2024.
  8. "Steffen Baumgart named new HSV coach," BBC.com, Feb. 20, 2024.
  9. "Merlin Polzin extends contract at HSV through 2027," kicker.de, May 7, 2024.
  10. The Commission, in light of Hamburger SV's struggles, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment in the Community, seeking to ensure the sustainability of sports clubs like HSV.
  11. Meanwhile, in the world of European football, Hannes Wolf, the former HSV coach dubbed the "trainer wonderkid," is currently guiding the German U20 national team, aiming to secure a strong performance in December.
  12. Hamburger SV's predecessors, such as Dieter Hecking and Horst Hrubesch, have faced their share of debacles during their tenures, with Hecking currently coaching VfL Bochum to avoid relegation, and Hrubesch focusing on youth development at HSV.
  13. As for the Bundesliga, Steffen Baumgart, the ex-HSV coach who shared a love for the club, is now at the helm of Union Berlin, while Daniel Thioune, who led HSV to the Herbstmeisterschaft, returned to the 2. Bundesliga with a new club after his brief spell at Fortuna Düsseldorf.

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