Left Hamburg after promotion
©IMAGO
Sebastian Schonlau (31) always had the plan to play with HSV in the Bundesliga, but when that could have happened, the defender said goodbye to Hamburg. In an interview with “Sport Bild” he spoke about the move and a possible return.
“It was very difficult and hurt a lot,” said Schonlau about the departure from HSV, which came more or less out of necessity. The former captain’s contract would have been valid for another year, but the Rothosen’s plans, where Yussuf Poulsen (31) was promptly appointed as the new captain and three new additions were added to the defense center, obviously no longer envisaged a major role for Schonlau. He knows “how things work in football and that this development can happen: that the club decides on other players. That is legitimate and has to be accepted.”
Schonlau moved to Vancouver, where he is now a teammate of Bayern icon Thomas Müller. “I had a very intensive time in Hamburg over the four years, with all the ups and downs you can imagine,” said Schonlau. “But I enjoyed every second. But when I realized that the time had come for a change because I was no longer playing the leading role, I asked myself: What makes sense now? I came to the conclusion: I want to play far away and abroad. I made a great choice with Vancouver.”
Schonlau has not yet played for his new club. Achilles tendon problems slowed him down in Canada. But he can now train again. In the North American league, the remaining teams are currently in the playoffs for the MLS Cup. Vancouver is in the quarterfinals. The Whitecaps are expecting Los Angeles FC there on Sunday night with former Tottenham icon and ex-HSV professional Heung-min Son (33).
Schonlau can imagine HSV returning
Schonlau could now imagine returning to HSV, although from a sporting perspective such a scenario currently seems unrealistic. The ex-captain wants to stay in football after his active career and sees himself in the management field.
“I’m interested in how a club is run,” said Schonlau. “And the nice thing is: During my time in Hamburg I was able to get a taste of things under Jonas Boldt (former sports director, editor) and Eric Huwer (finance director), and I learned a lot from both of them. I also had a good and trusting relationship with Stefan Kuntz (sports director). Of course, I can also imagine returning to HSV. Because the club will always remain a very special club for me.