He played for Werder and HSV: Aaron Hunt tips the Nordderby! | OneFootball

As a former player for Werder Bremen and HSV, the North derby is something very special to Aaron Hunt.

The 39-year-old knows both sides extremely well and is expecting a closely fought battle on Saturday (3:30 p.m., Sky). “It will be an even game. But if Hamburg have a full squad available, I think they are just a little better in terms of playing style,” the 39-year-old predicted in an interview with Bild.

However, Hunt was critical in his assessment of the recent 4–0 defeat at VfB Stuttgart. “That was really alarming. Hamburg actually got off lightly with conceding four goals,” he said, pointing above all to structural problems in the build-up play.

One key factor for him remains Luka Vuskovic. “Without Vuskovic, HSV are a different team. They are significantly weaker,” Hunt made clear, underscoring the importance of the young defensive leader. Accordingly, there is great hope that he will be fit in time: “For Hamburg’s sake, I can only hope that he recovers from his knee problems before the derby.”

Photo: IMAGO

Hunt gives extra praise to HSV coach Polzin

The coaching duel also adds extra intrigue. Werder coach Daniel Thioune meets his former colleague Merlin Polzin. While Hunt sees a lack of lasting development under Thioune, he praised the HSV coach: “Polzin […] surprised me in a positive way. I like his approach.”

Nur die Raute – All the latest news about HSV

There is a lot at stake for HSV in the relegation battle. Hunt summed it up perfectly: a win would be “the much-sung-about liberating blow.” If it does not come, however, “there could be major nerves at the Volkspark.”

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