"Feeling well set up" – HSV in no rush to replace Kuntz | OneFootball

2026 began with an unpleasant surprise for HSV. Stefan Kuntz vacated his position as sports director with immediate effect.

The reason for his departure was family-related. "Sometimes there are more important things than football. That is now the case for me," explained the 63-year-old in the official statement. The Hamburg SV also did not wish to elaborate further. "What I can say is: The time between the years was very intense and not a gentle end to the year 2025. Many discussions took place in different constellations. Please understand that I will not disclose any confidential details," emphasized supervisory board chairman Michael Papenfuß on the club's channels.

He does not view the sudden loss of Kuntz as a setback, even though during his roughly one and a half years of service, he shaped HSV into a competitive Bundesliga team. "It is a challenge, a new situation, for which we are prepared," said Papenfuß, who also serves as vice president of the club. For the time being, Eric Huwer, responsible for finances, will act as the sole director.

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HSV: Costa Moves to the Forefront After Kuntz's Departure

For the sporting sector—and thus also for the transfer period that began on New Year's Day—Claus Costa as sports director carries the responsibility. "Eric Huwer, Claus Costa, the entire coaching team, and the second leadership tier, like the entire staff, have our full confidence," Papenfuß made clear, with the supervisory board "standing by with advice and expertise if needed."

Kuntz's position will be filled—but without haste, "as we see ourselves very well positioned. Nevertheless, we have long since begun to exchange ideas on this in the supervisory board and will make a decision when we consider it right for HSV," explained Papenfuß. The personnel selection of the supervisory board significantly influences the future. With Kuntz, they made the right choice in May 2024—as the development in Hamburg since then underscores.

Photo: IMAGO

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