Was Dompé forgiven too soon? Here’s what HSV coach Polzin says | OneFootball

In HSV's 3-2 victory over 1. FC Union Berlin, Jean-Luc Dompé was back on the field for the first time. As a substitute, he played for at least 18 minutes.

Following his internal suspension due to a well-documented DUI incident, the winger missed both the 2-2 draw against FC Bayern and the 2-0 win at 1. FC Heidenheim. Many observers, considering Dompé's status as a repeat offender, expected much harsher sanctions. Was his pardon too early?

"We have dealt with the issue surrounding Jean-Luc very intensively over the past weeks. It was clear not only to me as a coach but especially to the club that we needed to take a stand and show a certain attitude," explained HSV coach Merlin Polzin.

He elaborated on the relatively early pardon of his player. "Independently of sports, life should not be about completely condemning someone. It is important to ensure that we stand together as a team in good and bad times," said the 35-year-old. In addition to the two-game suspension, Dompé had to pay a club-record fine of 100,000 euros.

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Dompé on the verge of returning to HSV's starting lineup?

At the same time, Polzin made it clear that the return is not a free pass: "The ball is now in Jean-Luc's court. He must behave in a way that the team and the club welcome him. The way he has behaved shows that he is incredibly sorry. As a coach, it is important to me that we draw a line. So that he, like everyone else, has the chance to qualify for the starting lineup based on performance."

Looking ahead to the upcoming away game at 1. FSV Mainz 05 (Friday, 8:30 PM), this chance is not very high. "This is not only due to his performances but also to the guys who have done really well in recent weeks," said Polzin, primarily referring to winter signing Philip Otele. In Dompé's absence, the Nigerian has recommended himself for further starting appearances on the left wing.

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