HSV on the hunt for new leaders: "I've got a few names in mind" | OneFootball

After the departures of Ludovit Reis and Davie Selke, HSV is working on a new leadership structure. There are question marks surrounding many candidates.

The long-awaited HSV return to the Bundesliga was not solely the result of sporting quality, but rather the consequence of a broad leadership structure. According to Bild information, a total of nine players formed a kind of leadership group, meeting on a weekly basis to discuss current issues on and off the pitch.

However, with the retirement of Tom Mickel, the departures of Ludovit Reis and Davie Selke, and the unclear future of current captain Sebastian Schonlau, this foundation is starting to crumble. Even long-time stalwarts Daniel Heuer Fernandes and Jonas Meffert must fight for their starting spots in the face of numerous new signings. In the case of striker Robert Glatzel, a future role as a substitute already seems likely.

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So who will take the helm at the "new" HSV? "We already have players who formed a strong backbone last season and who aspire to continue leading the way. I have a few names in mind, and I count myself among them," emphasizes Heuer Fernandes. At the same time, the veteran admits: "In the end, what matters is who delivers on the pitch, and that's how a role develops. It's still hard to tell right now because we're early in the season. That will all come."

One candidate for such a leadership role: Daniel Elfadli. The versatile defensive all-rounder recently extended his contract until 2028, but has shown inconsistent performances in the current pre-season. If he wants to establish himself as a captain option, stability is required.

Another player expected to be at the top of the hierarchy is a new signing: Yussuf Poulsen, Danish international and battle-hardened Bundesliga veteran, was signed for exactly this reason. Whether at sponsor events or fan gatherings: Poulsen is visible. His role as a leader and mentor for young players seems set in stone. Whether the 31-year-old will also lead on the pitch depends largely on his fitness.

That there are still question marks surrounding many potential leader candidates can, according to Heuer Fernandes, also be seen as a positive. "The situation also gives other players the chance to grow into it," the promotion hero makes clear, even naming a name: "Rambo Remberg is that kind of guy."

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