Polzin takes Werder route: How HSV gear up for the derby | OneFootball

At HSV, everything is geared towards maximum tension and emotion before the city derby against FC St. Pauli. Coach Merlin Polzin is consciously relying on a proven recipe for success.

At the press conference before the basement duel, the 35-year-old made it clear how he perceives the atmosphere around his team. "We are full of energy and conviction," Polzin stated, providing insights into his motivation management.

The blueprint comes from December, when HSV won the emotionally charged northern derby against Werder Bremen 3-2. Polzin deliberately reminds his team of this experience: "Anyone who experienced celebrating that derby victory is eager to follow it up with a second one on Friday."

At that time, the coach ignited his team with special measures. Among other things, long-time HSV bus driver Miroslav Zadach spoke about past duels with Werder, and the team walked through a guard of honor formed by their own fans on the way to the stadium. "The guys felt the power unleashed against Werder upon arrival and what it did to them," Polzin explained.

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Despite all the motivation: HSV needs "a cool head"

Before the duel at Millerntor, the coach is now resorting to similarly emotional means. "We have a story around the game again this week," he said. The focus is on the painful 0-2 from the first leg. Polzin and his team deliberately show images of the defeat, including the victory photo of the St. Pauli players in Volkspark. Back then, the Kiezkicker celebrated loudly and extensively in front of the guest stand.

Photo: IMAGO

Despite all the desire for revenge, HSV does not want to overdo it against the current bottom of the table. "We need to use the emotions to inspire us. And at the same time, we need a clear head." Therefore, there will be no big talk beforehand. "We want to define ourselves by what happens on Friday at 8:30 PM," said Polzin.

That HSV has been unsuccessful at Millerntor recently and last secured a win there in 2019 is something the native Hamburger is aware of: "The last games there were unsatisfactory in terms of points and performance." On January 23, 2026, everything is supposed to be different.

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