Praise, burger dates and fans: how Polzin won hearts at HSV | OneFootball

After being promoted to the Bundesliga, Merlin Polzin experienced his second major HSV highlight with the victory in the Northern derby. The young coach enjoys immense popularity within and around the club.

Because at the very latest after the emotional 3-2 win over Werder Bremen, it is clear: Merlin Polzin has electrified the club both athletically and personally. The 35-year-old is much more than just a coach giving tactical instructions from the sidelines. Polzin is a link between the club and the fans, a motivator, and a figure of identification all at once.

His tactical maneuvers against Bremen – from Jatta's surprising lineup in the right wing-back position to Soumahoro's variable role – caused amazement. But what makes Polzin equally special is evident off the field. The coach consistently seeks closeness with everyone who makes up HSV. How exactly he does this was revealed by Bild.

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This is how Polzin takes the entire HSV with him

He has recently surprised staff with personal gestures: a spontaneous compliment for stewards, a sincere SMS to colleagues in distant departments. The Bramfeld native repeatedly sends small signs of great appreciation.

Polzin even invited the board to a burger meal, very informally, very Hanseatic. And this warmth also excites the fans. They feel that Polzin is passionate about their club. As a result, many supporters are more willing to forgive sporting setbacks than they would have been with some predecessors.

Polzin repays them with highlight games like the recent one against Werder. He also sought advice from the HSV family for the derby preparation, speaking with former professionals like Piotr Trochowski and Bastian Reinhardt. He sends his ideas to himself via WhatsApp after such conversations. It's unconventional, but pragmatic, creative, and somehow authentic.

And Polzin himself knows exactly why he does all this. "We do all this for the girls and boys who, like I did in the past, cheer for the club and sing HSV songs on school trips," he is quoted by Bild. So far, he is doing exceptionally well.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.