HSV need ideas: is it already Vieira's time? | OneFootball

The 0-5 defeat to Mainz is undoubtedly one of HSV’s most bitter moments in recent months. Only Fabio Vieira provided some cause for excitement.

When the Portuguese was introduced before kickoff, ran to the touchline to warm up, and was finally brought on at the start of the second half, he received thunderous applause each time. But not even the returning player could prevent the dismal 0-5 thrashing. Even so, there is plenty to suggest that Vieira will make his first start since his permanent signing in the upcoming away match against RB Leipzig (Sunday, 3:30 p.m.). Bild has reported on this plan, at least.

The reasons are obvious. HSV once again showed major problems in attack against the team from Rhineland-Palatinate. Against both Dortmund (0-2) and Mainz, the team failed to register a single shot in the first half. Creativity, pace, and unexpected solutions in the final third are still almost completely missing from Hamburg’s play at the moment.

HSV: Polzin explains Vieira decision

Vieira is now supposed to change that. Last season, the 26-year-old was already clearly HSV’s standout attacking player. With seven goals and five assists, he unsurprisingly became the team’s top scorer. So it is no wonder that the fans spent the whole summer hoping for his return.

Photo: IMAGO

His substitute role against Mainz was mainly down to his fitness level. After a long transfer saga between HSV and Arsenal, Vieira lacked match practice. At the Gunners, he only got playing time in friendlies. “There are certainly still a few things needed to get to 100 percent,” coach Merlin Polzin had recently explained.

But after the Mainz debacle, the pressure is growing to breathe new life into the attack. After all, no one at HSV wants to see the alarming record of 0.19 xG, zero big chances created, and just thirteen touches in the opposition penalty area a second time.

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