Hamburger SV faces SSV Ulm 1846 in a crucial 2nd league match, with interim coach Merlin Polzin calling for increased energy after a recent draw. Both teams have a historic rivalry, with HSV having won their last encounter 2:1 25 years ago. A victory today could propel HSV into second place, contingent on other results. Despite injury challenges, Polzin emphasizes a proactive playing style and aims to foster resilience and growth within the team.
HSV’s Match Against SSV Ulm 1846: A Crucial Encounter
Today, the Hamburger SV faces off against the newly promoted SSV Ulm 1846 in a pivotal match for their promotion ambitions in the 2nd league. Interim head coach Merlin Polzin is demanding heightened energy and determination from his squad following a recent draw against Darmstadt. Fortunately for the ‘Rothosen,’ they carry fond memories of their past encounters with Ulm.
The previous match between HSV and the ‘Spatzen’ at the Donaustadion ended in a thrilling 2:1 victory for Hamburg, overcoming a 0:1 deficit late in the game. This memorable match took place 25 years ago during the Bundesliga season of 1999/2000, with goals scored by Nico-Jan Hoogma and Anthony Yeboah on matchday seven. Now, as both teams meet again in the same league, anticipation builds for their second encounter at the Donaustadion today at 1 PM.
Polzin’s Expectations and Team Readiness
Since 2018, Hamburg has been striving to reclaim its place in the Bundesliga, while Ulm has made an impressive comeback, achieving three promotions in the last nine years from the Oberliga-Baden-Württemberg to the 2nd league. This Saturday, the historical rivalry continues, albeit in Germany’s second-highest division. A victory could see HSV leap back into second place, contingent on the outcomes of concurrent matches involving Paderborn and Düsseldorf.
Polzin, who recently completed his DFB Pro License, insists that the focus should not be on calculations but on improving from their previous game. He emphasizes the need for a proactive approach, stating, “We want to be a team that plays forward for 90 minutes, creating numerous scoring opportunities.” The coach aims to cultivate a style of play that not only excites fans but also instills pride in the HSV community.
Despite a challenging start against Darmstadt, the second half showed promise, and Polzin is eager to build on that performance against a physically robust opponent known for its effective pressing and solid defense, having conceded only 19 goals this season.
In terms of player availability, aside from long-term injuries including top scorer Robert Glatzel, the majority of the squad is fit to take on the challenge. Injured players Sebastian Schonlau, Denis Hadzikadunic, and Jean-Luc Dompé are back in action, while midfielder Jonas Meffert has recovered from his arm injury. However, winger Fabio Baldé’s participation remains uncertain due to muscle issues. The biggest challenge for Polzin lies in the goalkeeper position, as injuries have sidelined both backup Matheo Raab and third keeper Tom Mickel. Consequently, 19-year-old U21 goalkeeper Hannes Hermann has been promoted to the squad.
No matter the composition of the team, Polzin is focused on fostering growth and resilience, particularly in how players manage mistakes on the field. He acknowledges that errors are an inherent part of football, as highlighted by a blunder from right-back William Mikelbrencis in the previous game. “We need to develop a culture of mistakes at HSV,” Polzin asserts, urging his team to leverage setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement.
Projected Line-ups
SSV Ulm 1846: Thiede – Reichert, Strompf, Kolbe – Meier, Maier, Hyryläinen, Rösch – Krattenmacher, Keller – Telalovic
Hamburger SV: Heuer Fernandes – Mikelbrencis, Schonlau, Hadzikadunic, Muheim – Meffert – Karabec, Elfadli – Königsdörffer, Selke, Dompé
This enticing matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter as HSV aims for a much-needed victory against the resilient SSV Ulm.