Fear of a second Bundesliga year? HSV star speaks out | OneFootball

Among football fans, people often talk about the so-called “sophomore slump.” That is no different among HSV supporters.

HSV goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes, however, thinks little of such speculation. At the training camp in Längenfeld, Austria, the 33-year-old made his position crystal clear in an interview with Sport1. Asked about the regularly discussed theory that the second season after promotion is often the hardest, the goalkeeper replied bluntly: “I don’t believe in statements like that at all, because it depends entirely on us. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been playing in the Bundesliga. It will always be challenging. We accept that challenge, and we also know our strengths.”

In fact, statistics show that Bundesliga newcomers are relegated more often in their second season than in their first. HSV’s new board member for sport, Kathleen Krüger, also recently pointed out that clubs usually have a better chance of staying up after surviving their first year in the top flight.

Photo: IMAGO

Heuer Fernandes defines his role at HSV

Heuer Fernandes appears to follow exactly that line of thinking. The veteran is now heading into his seventh season at HSV and has witnessed the club’s development up close. After his role as number one was repeatedly called into question over the years, he is now considered one of the most important leaders in the squad. Only this summer, the German-Portuguese player extended his contract once again and is now tied to the club until 2028.

Even so, the situation between the posts at the Hanseatic club remains intriguing. In Norwegian international goalkeeper Sander Tangvik, a highly talented challenger is ready and waiting. Heuer Fernandes, however, remains unfazed: “I just have to keep doing what I’ve done over the past few years. Give it everything, help the team, and demand things so that we can improve as a team. That’s my role, and I embrace it.”

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