HSV ready for the season? Why Heuer Fernandes is optimistic | OneFootball

HSV have less than two weeks left until their competitive opener in the DFB-Pokal against SC Verl. Preparations are therefore entering the final stretch.

The unanimous view around the Volkspark is that Merlin Polzin’s team is significantly further along than they were at the same point a year ago. One person who shares that assessment is Daniel Heuer Fernandes. In an interview with Sport Bild, the goalkeeper said he is convinced that the Rothosen are on the right track. “We want to be more intense than we were a year ago — and everyone is fully on board with what the coach and his staff are demanding from us,” explained the 33-year-old.

So far, the friendly matches have indeed backed up that development. Against Rapid Vienna (2:3), Heidenheim (3:1), Everton (1:2) and Lille (2:2), HSV made a decent to good impression for long stretches. The newly introduced 3-4-2-1 system in particular already seems to be taking hold offensively. Eight goals against well-known opponents are a clear sign of that.

Photo: IMAGO

For comparison: in last summer’s pre-season, Hamburg lost every major test against FC Copenhagen, Sturm Graz, Olympique Lyon, SC Freiburg and RCD Mallorca. Their sobering goal difference back then: 2:14. Their later cup appearance away to fifth-tier side FK Pirmasens, including a laborious 2:1 win after extra time, also exposed numerous problem areas.

HSV squad far from complete

There is unlikely to be such a nervy performance in Verl this time. Even so, not everyone at HSV is fully satisfied. The defense in particular is currently a concern. The Hanseatic club are making too many individual mistakes and gifting their opponents easy goals. However, Heuer Fernandes believes his team are on the right path: “Even though the squad is not yet complete, we will be well prepared for the Bundesliga.”

In fact, those in charge are likely to bring in three to four more new signings in the coming weeks. A center-back, a right wing-back and a tall striker are all expected to arrive. In addition, everyone around HSV is still hoping for a permanent deal for Fabio Vieira. If that happens, Daniel Heuer Fernandes’ already positive feeling is likely to improve even further.

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