Despite HSV’s mixed first half of the season, Tim Walter remains coach of the Hamburg second division soccer team. After a detailed analysis of the last six months, those responsible at the traditional club expressed their confidence in the 49-year-old.
The result of the discussions was “an agreed plan with various individual measures and concrete changes that should be put into action from the start of training in 2024,” the HSV announced on Friday. “We are convinced that we will take the next steps in order to appear even more stable, resilient and successful as a team,” director of professional football Claus Costa was quoted as saying in the statement.
Boldt: “Valuable analysis process for all of us”
In addition to sporting goals, these also include external circumstances and everyday routines that promote performance. What exactly was meant by this remained unclear at first. However, Costa emphasized: “Everyone is measured by that.” Players, coaches and staff are equally challenged. Sports director Jonas Boldt spoke of a “valuable analysis process for all of us”. The supervisory board was also informed in detail.
Boldt had recently avoided making a clear commitment to Walter: “Of course I don’t like the fact that we are now third with only 31 points.” However, the following internal discussions did not lead to a personnel cut. The sports director explained that it was good “not to be guided by emotions”.
Walter before his 100th competitive game as HSV coach
Walter will be on the sidelines for the 100th time in a competitive game as HSV coach at FC Schalke 04 at the start of the second half of the season on January 20th (8:30 p.m., in the live center on NDR.de). The Bruchsal native came to Hamburg in the summer of 2021, making him the HSV coach with the longest tenure in this millennium. He failed twice with the traditional club in relegation for promotion to the Bundesliga. The current third-placed team is threatened with a relegation hat-trick.
But that wasn’t the only reason why there was speculation about a replacement for the coach, whose contract expires at the end of the season, after the 2-0 win at the end of the first half of the season at 1. FC Nürnberg. Hamburg had started the season well, but had increasing problems with a lack of stability, a tendency to make mistakes in defense and a noticeably weak away form. All of this had obviously raised doubts about being able to achieve the long-awaited promotion with Walter this time.
“We still have room for improvement.”
— Coach Tim Walter
Possible successor candidates on the Elbe had already been discussed in Friedhelm Funkel and André Breitenreiter. Now at HSV – at least in the coaching position – everything remains the same for the time being. However, according to consistent media reports, the team should be strengthened.
That should also be in the coach’s interest. “We still have room for improvement,” emphasized Walter and added: “We will go into winter preparation and especially into the second half of the series with focus, a clear plan and new energy.” The support in the team was probably a big argument for him.
Boldt’s future depends on Walter’s success
Even if Boldt has now decided against Walter’s resignation, the 49-year-old will likely be under special observation by the board from now on. With a bad start to the second half of the season that cannot be ruled out, with four strong opponents waiting for HSV in Schalke, Karlsruhe, Hertha BSC and Hannover 96, the manager could pull the ripcord. Because if the Hamburg team fails to gain promotion in the sixth attempt, Boldt’s days in the Volkspark could also be numbered.
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Hamburg Journal | 12/22/2023 | 19:30 o’clock
