On paper, Hamburger SV is the first contender for promotion to the Bundesliga, but it is not a clear favorite. And behind them the race is open like it hasn’t been for a long time. The sports show offers all games of the 2nd Bundesliga in full length and in the conference for live listening.
In the past season of the 2nd Bundesliga, FC Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen were the favorites for promotion – and they actually returned to the top flight after a year’s abstinence. Going into this season, the race appears to be much more open. Because a clear promotion favorite cannot be identified.
This is mainly due to the fact that the two teams that were relegated – the Greuther Fürth and Arminia Bielefeld teams – cannot necessarily be expected to return directly to league one. Several important pillars of the past few years have left Bielefeld. Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has switched to Manchester City, defensive support Amos Pieper and winger Patrick Wimmer are moving to the Bundesliga. And with Uli Forte there is also a new coach who has not yet had any experience in Germany. The Fürth have also lost numerous players, the newcomers are almost exclusively talented without professional experience. New coach Marc Schneider also has nothing to show for himself.
Does HSV fail again?
That leaves Hamburger SV, which recently rebounded to Hertha BSC in the relegation. The basic structure of the team has stayed together and was even strengthened in the summer. Even top scorer Robert Glatzel turned down an offer from the Bundesliga. The problem is that the Hanseatic League have always been among the favorites since their first year in the second division, but have now failed four times in a row. The pressure seems particularly high this year. That could overwhelm the team, the club management and the environment in the end.
Darmstadt and Co. have to confirm performance
Darmstadt 98, FC St. Pauli and Heidenheim finished last season behind HSV. It is questionable whether they will have such a strong season again. The trio have lost key performers. Darmstadt had to let their top scorer Luca Pfeiffer (17 goals) and Tim Skarke go. St. Pauli will have to do without Guido Burgstaller and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh in the future, while Heidenheim will have to do without Tobias Mohr, Oliver Hüsing and Robert Leipertz. Adequate replacement never came.
Dusseldorf can hope
And then who is left? It is probably those teams that were not in the top third of the table recently. Just like Fortuna Dusseldorf. After the change of coach to Daniel Thioune, the Rhinelanders have had a winning streak and have only suffered one defeat in 13 games. The team wants to take this momentum into the new season. A certain euphoria can be felt around the club, with many expecting a continuation of the positive trend under Thioune. He tries to keep the ball flat.
Nuremberg can also look up
1. FC Nürnberg can also have hopes. In order to attack from above, FCN signed three new strikers with Christoph Daferner, Manuel Wintzheimer and Kwadwo Duah. The team has recently developed steadily under coach Robert Klauss. More than eighth place last season is definitely possible.
Hanover and Paderborn secret favourites
And then there’s Hannover 96. Although coach Stefan Leitl is probably the best-known name on the list of numerous newcomers, players like Louis Schaub, Fabian Kunze and Havard Nielsen are tried and tested in the Bundesliga. The ex-coach of Bundesliga relegated SpVgg Greuther Fürth will bring a breath of fresh air to Lower Saxony – and he has already proven that he can get promoted. The team is definitely considered a kind of secret favourite.
Incidentally, quite a few also believe that SC Paderborn is capable of this role. The form was right there recently – with just one defeat from the past seven games, the team of coach Lukas Kwasniok ended the season with a positive trend, which should be carried over into the new season.