HSV started the new week with a big bang: fans and the club have to let the departure of coach Tim Walter sink in.
The Walter era in Hamburg is over after almost three years. “The decision was definitely not easy for me,” said HSV sports director Jonas Boldt at a press conference on Monday afternoon. “The conviction was no longer there that we would achieve our goals and continue on our path.” Merlin Polzin, the previous assistant coach, should continue on the path to the Bundesliga together with the youth leader Loic Favé.
The fans traditionally play an important role at HSV. Jonas Boldt then also referred to this and the relationship with Tim Walter: “We have built something together here over the last two and a half years, sparked a new euphoria in the city and among the people. We have welded the club, team and fans together. In “In today’s world, when football and the audience are more divided, that’s not normal,” said Boldt, thanking his fired coach.
Coach fired: HSV fans thank Tim Walter
Shortly after the press conference, Merlin Polzin welcomed the HSV professionals to the first training session of the post-Walter era. A lot of the press and a few walkers gathered on the sidelines as quiet observers – there wasn’t too much hustle and bustle next to the grass field.
There was much more intense discussion on social media on Monday. The general mood: gratitude for what Walter had achieved, but also agreement that there was probably no alternative to a separation. “Unfortunately it had to happen now,” commented a user on the HSV Facebook page, “Thank you to Walter and Co. for their work. Even if many are now chasing him to hell, you have to recognize that he lived for the club and the team “wrote another fan.
Football influencer and HSV supporter “Fiago” spoke up in an Instagram post from the club: “It was a great time, the first time in years that a coach was able to completely unite the team and fans. But in the end it happened Sporty just wasn’t enough.” Comedian Chris Tall also commented: “Hurts more than I thought. At least he formed a unit. It’s just how it is now. Based on the results, it was unavoidable.”
HSV fans are discussing successor to ex-coach Tim Walter
On Platform “You finally gave HSV a playing identity. Unfortunately, the results weren’t enough. But HSV has a lot to thank you for,” wrote one user. “You gave our HSV a face. You put yourself into service relentlessly and united fans and team,” said another. This user also expressed similar thanks: “Maybe not everything on the pitch was great and more could have been possible, but: A clear line, game idea and off the pitch this person gave HSV such a positive emotional response.”
The HSV fans already have ideas for their successor: Steffen Baumgart, coach of 1. FC Köln until December, is a favorite for many. There was also a lot of discussion online on Monday about Raphael Wicky, ex-HSV professional and on the master course with Young Boys Bern.