Ex-coach hopes for Bornauw move: ‘Fingers crossed for HSV’ | OneFootball

HSV are still searching for a successor to Luka Vuskovic. One candidate has now received prominent backing.

Friedhelm Funkel, who once coached Sebastiaan Bornauw at 1. FC Köln, thinks very highly of the Belgian and would expressly welcome a move to Hamburg. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed for HSV,” the 72-year-old told the Hamburger Abendblatt in reference to the current rumors surrounding the center-back.

Bornauw is currently considered one of several candidates for the vacant spot in the Rothosen’s central defense. Following Vuskovic’s departure, the club is now searching for a new defensive leader. In many respects, the 27-year-old fits the profile they are looking for.

Bornauw is currently under contract with Leeds United. However, the former Belgium international has been unable to establish himself there since his move from VfL Wolfsburg and made just 12 competitive appearances last season. As the 1.91-meter defender wants to play regularly again, a departure from England is seen as a possibility. A loan move is among the options being discussed.

Photo: IMAGO

Funkel praises HSV target Bornauw: “He is a model professional”

Funkel knows Bornauw from the most successful period of his career. In the 2020/21 season, he was a key part of Köln’s relegation battle and helped the club secure survival through the playoff. Accordingly, his former coach’s assessment is highly positive.

“Sebastiaan is a model professional with a one-hundred-percent attitude,” said Funkel. He also described the defender as “a great person” and “a very important factor” for his team. The experienced coach particularly highlights his qualities off the ball: “Sebastiaan is very strong in tackles and in the air, and very reliable.”

These are exactly the qualities HSV are currently looking for. Bornauw, in particular, could use his physicality to fill the gap left by Vuskovic. Funkel sees only one possible weakness, and only in one area. “He has room for improvement in build-up play,” he admitted. Even so, the coaching legend is certain: “HSV would not be making a mistake.”

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