Glatzel-Gate at HSV: Why is he still barely getting a look-in? | OneFootball

The limited role of HSV striker Robert Glatzel has sparked sometimes heated debates throughout the entire season.

The 32-year-old was one of Hamburg’s most influential players during their four years in the second division leading up to promotion, and he turned down several offers from higher-tier clubs. Now, however, he hardly plays a role anymore. In the last three matches, the striker spent the entire game on the bench. Both Damion Downs, Yussuf Poulsen, and Otto Stange were preferred as substitute options ahead of him.

Even when trailing, as against RB Leipzig (1:2) and Bayer Leverkusen (0:1), coach Merlin Polzin refrained from bringing on his experienced goal scorer. In the closing minutes, even central defender Luka Vuskovic was pushed up to the front line. The same had already happened in the second half of the season with Guilherme Ramos, who left in the winter.

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Matthäus: “HSV train has left the station for Glatzel”

This unusual situation is also attracting the attention of prominent observers. Record national team player Lothar Matthäus spoke out very clearly about the striker’s situation on the TV show Sky90. “I think the train has left the station for him. He’s a bit out of the picture,” said Matthäus about Glatzel.

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One man, however, sees things very differently—someone who knows the striker very well: Jonas Boldt. The former HSV sporting director brought Glatzel to Hamburg in 2021 and is considered a strong supporter. “He has a better standing with me. I would give him preference over Downs,” Boldt made clear on the show.

Boldt still has contact with HSV—including with Polzin. “Merlin knows that we discuss this very controversially. But in the end, he’s the one who decides. Success proves him right. I take my hat off to him for not letting himself be influenced. He leads the team,” said the 44-year-old.

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