News blog about Hamburger SV
HSV hero Poulsen raves about the first northern derby
Updated on December 8, 2025 – 9:54 a.mReading time: 12 minutes
Hamburger SV is one of the largest clubs in Germany. The news ticker on t-online contains all the important reports about the “Rothosen”.
Yussuf Poulsen chose a special setting for his debut goal in the HSV jersey. “First goal. In the northern derby. In front of the northern curve: nothing more is possible. I can end my career now,” joked the Hamburg captain after his late goal in the 3-2 win (0-1) against Werder Bremen.
The 31-year-old striker moved to Hamburg before the season after twelve years at RB Leipzig. However, several setbacks – two thigh injuries and hip problems – had slowed down the Dane, who was planned to be the leading player, for months. In the derby, too, he only came into play in the 82nd minute. Just two minutes later he scored – with his first touch of the ball.
“For moments like today: That’s exactly why you play football,” said Poulsen. “The games in which it’s about a little more than three points. That are emotionally at the highest level. Where the stadium boils for 90 minutes. Where the fans accompany you to the stadium: that’s what you always hope to experience as a footballer.” Coach Merlin Polzin also praised Poulsen: “In many moments in the dressing room, in individual conversations and in group discussions, he played a part in why we are doing so well today with 15 points.”
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Strenuous days for him HSV: After the home games against VfB Stuttgart (2:1) and Holstein Kiel (3:5 a.e.), Werder Bremen now awaits Hamburg in the Volkspark. Coach Merlin Polzin doesn’t use the long cup evening with the bitter defeat as an excuse. At the press conference he said: “When one of the most traditional duels in the history of the Bundesliga is coming up with the northern derby, then you cannot allow yourself to be tired in any way, both mentally and physically.”
Polzin also explained: “We are fresh, we are hot and are looking forward to what is to come.” According to the HSV coach, there are not many duels in Germany “that are similarly electrifying”.