HSV: Boldt explains Walter’s dismissal – coaching talent Polzin takes over

After separating from Walter

Hamburger SV goes into the upcoming away game at FC Hansa Rostock on Saturday (1 p.m.) with Merlin Polzin. The 33-year-old, most recently assistant coach under the released trainer Tim Walter, has been with the club since July 2020 and will look after the team “100 percent” at the weekend, explained HSV sports director Jonas Boldt at a press conference on Monday.

The 42-year-old spoke highly of Polzin. “We have great coaching talent here,” said Boldt (quoted via “Hamburger Abendblatt”) and indicated that the previous co-worker is an option in the search for a Walter successor. “We want to think about what medium and long-term solutions could be. Merlin Polzin will definitely play a role in this, regardless of the constellation.” The person chosen for the time being received the decision in his favor “with bright eyes and a clear yes,” Boldt revealed.

The manager “didn’t find it easy” to separate from Walter. Boldt explained why he finally decided to do this: “We don’t want to let the situation collapse. We saw the danger that things would get a little out of hand.” This probably refers to the many goals conceded in the last home games against Hannover 96 and Karlsruher SC, which Walter was unable to stop despite a more in-depth analysis and a clear stabilization mandate in the winter. (For the news: HSV separates from coach Walter)

“We noticed that we were no longer convinced that we would be able to achieve our goals. It’s about the thing and not about people,” said Boldt. But he didn’t want to talk about an absolute reversal. “We will not make a 180-degree change,” stated the sports director. “There are a few adjustments.” And: “We’re not changing everything in one direction, but rather building on it with the people who are there.” With Polzin in the front line against Rostock. “He definitely gets the chance, and with full conviction.”

HSV boss Boldt recognized uncertainty under Walter and is examining the coaching market

According to Boldt, no player actively spoke out against the previous coach Walter, who failed twice in Bundesliga relegation with HSV and was unable to stop the downward trend. “But I felt an insecurity that was significantly greater in the last few weeks than in the weeks and months before.” The 48-year-old, who worked for VfB Stuttgart before his commitment, “lived this club with all his skin and hair costs a lot of energy. It’s human that a certain amount of energy is lost on this route,” said Boldt, who recently found HSV “too wild”.

In parallel with current events, Boldt will examine options alongside Polzin. “We know the market well and know what we want. We will have further discussions internally and externally.” In addition to Steffen Baumgart, who has been traded for a long time (most recently at 1. FC Köln), the name Raphael Wicky is also circulating around the Volkspark. The 46-year-old Swiss has been coaching BSC Young Boys, the reigning champions and leaders of the Super League, since July 2022.

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