Unusual situation: HSV spoilt for choice in defence and attack! | OneFootball

Before the Bundesliga clash with Union Berlin and the return of former coach Steffen Baumgart, HSV finds itself in an almost luxurious starting position.

While injuries and numerous red-card suspensions limited the selection in many phases of the season, there is now suddenly an enormous competition. This is especially true for the defense and the attack. However, in the central midfield, the personnel situation is more strained due to the injuries of Sambi Lokonga and Albert Grönbaek.

And yet: Assistant coach Loic Favé describes the new situation as a real performance driver. “You can immediately notice in training that the squad and starting eleven spots are hotly contested. This is a huge opportunity to push ourselves to the maximum,” Favé explained on Thursday.

Indeed, the personnel situation could further intensify. Yussuf Poulsen is back in full training after recovering from an ankle injury and is ready for his squad comeback. Jean-Luc Dompé, who was recently suspended for driving under the influence, is also pushing to return to the lineup. Favé emphasizes: “He participated in everything this week. We’ll see if it’s enough for the squad. Dompé wants to give something back to the club and the team. He is very motivated in training.”

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HSV with a “stroke of luck in defense”

If both return, HSV would have eight attackers available for three offensive positions. Even established players like Robert Glatzel could face a spot on the bench in this case. About Glatzel, Favé says: “We will need all types of strikers with their different qualities throughout the season.” Especially against “a deep-lying opponent” like Union, his presence within the six-yard box could be valuable.

There is also congestion in defense. Alongside the established Luka Vuskovic, returnee Nicolás Capaldo, Warmed Omari, Jordan Torunarigha, and Daniel Elfadli, four high-quality players are competing for two vacant positions in the Hanseatic back three. “For the coaching team, it’s a stroke of luck to have such options at the back,” explains Favé. Who will face Steffen Baumgart and the Köpenickers on Saturday (3:30 PM, Sky) is still completely open.

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