HSV dramatically missed out on direct promotion to the Bundesliga. Now it’s back to relegation. Opponent is VfB Stuttgart. How do the people of Hamburg process the emotional afternoon in Sandhausen?
Training took place at Hamburger SV on Whit Monday: actually a matter of course for a professional soccer team. But at HSV they would have preferred to do other – much more enjoyable – things: get through the night of partying, look forward to a celebration with the fans in the afternoon.
For a few minutes on Sunday, the people of Hamburg thought they were already promoted to the Bundesliga, then 1. FC Heidenheim started a legendary final sprint and made the promotion in Regensburg perfect. The HSV must be pushed into the relegation against VfB Stuttgart, any party plans on resubmission.
Captain Schonlau: Have to get up again
Tears flowed from the fans on the lawn, and the players also had to process their disappointment first. “At first the heads were hanging, it’s logical when you’re so close and think you’ve made it. Anything else would not be a human reaction,” said captain Sebastian Schonlau in the NDR interview: “Nevertheless, it’s our job get up now.”
Something similar was heard from coach Tim Walter and sports director Jonas Boldt. They also wanted to radiate optimism. “We gained important experience last year that we want to use for us this year,” said Walter: “We already knew beforehand that we could go this route, and we have to now.”
However, this Sunday was a hard blow for HSV. Emotionally, because he already saw himself on target and then missed it in a dramatic way.
Promotion is the clearly defined goal of the season
But also from a very objective point of view: again, Hamburg did not make it directly into the Bundesliga, despite the highest budget. Again, in Heidenheim and Darmstadt, two teams landed in front of them, which should never be in front of HSV due to their financial possibilities.
In addition, the Hamburgers themselves have repeatedly emphasized that the Bundesliga return is the clearly defined goal of the season.
That’s why what Walter said about the two games against VfB Stuttgart is only partially true: “Ultimately, they have a lot to lose. VfB can get relegated and we can get promoted.”
VfB Stuttgart: Always good for a drama
On Thursday (8.45 p.m.) HSV will play in Swabia, the second leg will take place next Monday (8.45 p.m.) in the Volksparkstadion. The Bundesliga team is the favourite, they have the better individual players and have recently stabilized under coach Sebastian Hoeneß.
On the other hand, VfB has been a team for years that is always good for a negative surprise and regularly gets itself into trouble – often with the typical portion of drama that HSV knows only too well.
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sports club | 05/28/2023 | 10:30 p.m
