Nandja over Alaba: HSV chief explains plan at centre-back | OneFootball

Despite occasional rumors, no further new signing is planned. Instead, HSV is relying on the players already available in central defense, and especially on Shafiq Nandja.

Sporting director Claus Costa recently confirmed that HSV will not sign an out-of-contract defender even after the end of the transfer window. That means David Alaba, who had been demanded by numerous fans, is also not an option for the Volkspark club. “He is an outstanding personality and an outstanding player, but we consciously chose this path,” Costa explained in an interview with Bild. The Austrian is now close to a move to Udinese Calcio.

In any case, the path outlined by Costa is aimed at giving talented homegrown player Nandja a chance. The 19-year-old moved into the starting lineup after Sebastiaan Bornauw’s injury in the 0:5 defeat in Leipzig, making his first Bundesliga start. Against Cologne, coach Merlin Polzin then opted for Warmed Omari, who was available again after his injury layoff.

HSV’s situation in defense is easing

Costa ruled out the possibility of HSV revising its original squad planning because of the opening weeks of the season. “We’re not changing our course after two or three games,” the sporting director made clear. “We trust the guys we have here.”

Photo: IMAGO

That also applies to Mario Vuskovic. After serving his four-year suspension, the Croat will be allowed to play competitive matches again from mid-November. “In a few weeks, Mario Vuskovic will be eligible to play again,” Costa also pointed out.

In addition, the next reinforcement from within the squad is already taking shape: Sebastiaan Bornauw has returned to team training after his muscle injury and is likely to feature again in the upcoming friendly against FC Copenhagen (October 4). From HSV’s perspective, there is therefore no need for a short-term external stopgap.

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