Tim Walter underlined on Wednesday that he is history-proof. Immediately before the start of the regular press conference with an eye on Friday in Aue, Hamburg’s coach hissed a “happy birthday, HSV” through the microphone. 134 has become the former Bundesliga dino, the coach and his professionals want to take care of the presents on the field.
The coach had already attested to a positive development process for his team on Sunday after the 2:2 against Nuremberg. Because being behind twice did not have the consequence of an impact goal. “The boys stuck with it and believed in themselves.
Now they have to prove that HSV can put an end to another crucial weakness: not only to play opponents who are individually inferior until the end, but also to fight them with their means if necessary, if the footballing quality does not come to fruition. Among other things, defeats at relegated Würzburg and Osnabrück were decisive in the pre-season for HSV to be stuck in the 2nd division in its fourth year.
Walter: “We see ourselves on a good path “
Walter is known for being reluctant to dwell on topics that were before his time, but says in general: “One reason is often that a team from the bottom of the table has nothing to lose and the situation is exactly the opposite for the supposedly big team. But we don’t see the starting position that way. We see ourselves on a good path in our development and want to take the next step in Aue.” Knowing full well that the demands will be different than last time against Nuremberg or in the derby at Werder Bremen. “Aue will certainly try to defend deeper and get into switching moments. “
Schonlau returns
The coach considers it extremely helpful that his captain is back on board for the away task in the Erzgebirge. Sebastian Schonlau served his yellow-red suspension against Nuremberg and Walter says: “He’s our captain, of course we missed him because he’s a mainstay.” Words that he does not want to be understood as criticism of his deputy: youngster Mario Vuskovic was decisive in one goal conceded and at least involved in the second, but Walter says of the 19-year-old: “He had a super passing and an outstanding duel rate. We know that we can throw him in at any time.”
In Aue, however, Schonlau is expected to lead HSV again, to ensure that the next proof of development does not fail to materialise. And HSV’s birthday won’t be the only reason for congratulations.