Stevens sounds HSV alarm: „That’s a Herculean task“ | OneFootball

0:5 against Mainz, 0:5 in Leipzig – after three matchdays, HSV are bottom of the Bundesliga with zero points and a goal difference of 0:12.

The defense in particular is causing major concern and looks worlds shakier than it did last season. Former HSV coach Huub Stevens therefore sees the Hamburg side facing a huge task. “Phew, that’s a Herculean task. But it’s not impossible,” Stevens said in an interview with Bild when asked how HSV can stabilize their defense again.

Stevens does not believe bringing in new players at short notice is the solution. “Finding an unattached professional who is clearly better than the players already there would be more than a stroke of luck,” explains the 72-year-old. Instead, coach Merlin Polzin has to work with the players he already has and make them solid again.

Because despite the twelve goals conceded so far, Stevens does see quality in the squad. “Players like Torunarigha, Capaldo or Bornauw have a certain class that they are currently unable to show,” says the former HSV coach. Especially after two consecutive 0:5 defeats, it is now crucial that the rattled professionals regain their confidence.

Photo: IMAGO

Stevens: HSV coach Polzin also needs to be a psychologist

Stevens believes Polzin is being challenged on every level. “In a situation like this, as a coach you are a psychologist, a father figure and a role model for the players,” he says. At the same time, the coach must feel the club’s full backing. The coaching team, staff and board must “stand behind him every second.”

Stevens himself already experienced a similar situation at HSV. In February 2007, he took over the Hanseatic club in 18th place, but after an outstanding second half of the season still managed to qualify for European competition. His recipe for the current crisis: stay calm, talk to each other and create positive results. “Despite the bad results, you must not become tense,” Stevens warns. Given the current mood, that is a real challenge. But not an impossible one.

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