Baumgart full of praise for HSV gem: "He's something special" | OneFootball

When HSV hosts 1. FC Union Berlin on Saturday, the focus is not only on the sporting clash between two direct competitors.

The return of Steffen Baumgart is particularly drawing additional attention. The 53-year-old is visiting Hamburg for the first time since his dismissal in November 2024. Back then, he had to leave after a 2-2 draw against FC Schalke 04 and being eighth in the standings.

In the meantime, Baumgart has joined Union Berlin and has led the team to calmer waters in the Bundesliga. Before his return, he expressed a conciliatory tone to Sport Bild. “I always had the great wish to work for HSV at least once in my life. I was able to fulfill that. In the end, it didn’t work out. That’s life,” explained Baumgart, who is anything but bitter. He emphasized: “In the end, HSV achieved its goals without me, and I am now with Union. It turned out well for everyone.”

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Baumgart praises HSV development

The extroverted coach spoke particularly appreciatively about the development of his former club under successor and former assistant Merlin Polzin. “HSV has gotten used to the Bundesliga and stabilized, it is on a good path to achieving its goals,” praised Baumgart. After the major upheaval following the promotion, this is by no means a given.

One player has particularly impressed him: Luka Vuskovic. The 18-year-old defensive talent is one of the great discoveries of the season and provides remarkable stability to Hamburg’s defense. Additionally, the Croatian, with already four goals scored, is the second most dangerous player in the Hanseatic squad.

Baumgart is also full of praise: “He is special, plays with total composure, which is something you have to achieve at that age.” From a coach who sets high standards for defensive players, this is quite a remarkable compliment.

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