Sent packing then, now HSV captain: Polzin's Remberg story | OneFootball

Nicolai Remberg is the new captain of HSV. The club announced the decision on Saturday ahead of the friendly against Everton FC (1:2).

Only a year ago, the 26-year-old moved to Hamburg from Holstein Kiel for €2.4 million. In no time, the midfielder established himself as a regular starter, key player, and leader. He will now take over the captain’s armband from Yussuf Poulsen. Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nicolás Capaldo have been named as his deputies. Despite losing the role, Poulsen is still expected to support the leadership group with his experience.

Remberg himself said he was moved by the appointment. “At a club like this, it means an incredible amount to me,” Mopo quoted him as saying after the match against Everton. “It really is an honor, and I appreciate it enormously.” Even a year ago, he would not have expected such a development himself. “I didn’t believe I’d be captain here after one year,” he admitted.

Photo: IMAGO

Remberg is “the future of HSV”

What is particularly remarkable is the story that connects him with Polzin. As a youth player, Remberg once had a trial with VfL Osnabrück’s U17 team, where the current HSV coach was working as a trainer at the time. However, the two never ended up working together. “He was a very nice boy, very gifted football-wise,” Polzin recalled. But back then, the overall package had not been the right fit. “At the time, we both decided against doing it.”

Many years later, their paths crossed again at HSV. This time with a completely different outcome. “It was all the nicer to see him here again last year,” said Polzin. “That’s also a story that connects us and brings us closer together.”

That the coach has now made Remberg captain of all people is hardly surprising, despite his relatively short time at the club. Polzin describes him as an “absolute leader” and an “outstanding performer” who pushes his limits every day and inspires others to follow. His predecessor Poulsen is convinced as well: “If I were the coach, I would have chosen him too.” For the Dane, one thing is clear: Remberg is “the future of HSV — as a leader, as captain.”

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