Surprise visitor: promotion hero returns to HSV | OneFootball

The HSV squad changed noticeably after promotion. Key player Ludovit Reis was supposed to be retained, but he was drawn to FC Brugge.

Yesterday, Monday, the central midfielder made an appearance at Volkspark again. He spent the entire international break weekend in Hamburg and finally paid a visit to his former club. Despite the major changes, the current team still includes 18 former teammates. Additionally, the coaching staff remains the same as from the previous season. "Ludo was here spontaneously, I didn't know about it either. He surprised us all," said head coach Merlin Polzin (via Mopo).

Under his leadership, Reis reached top form and also wore the captain's armband in many matches, as the actual captain Sebastian Schonlau mostly had to sit on the bench. Back on the training field at Volkspark, the Dutchman gave a short speech to the team. "He said that he obviously follows everything, that he likes how the team is working and developing, and that he always enjoys being here," reported Polzin.

Reis calls Volksparkstadion his "living room"

The connection is likely to remain strong for a long time given the many emotional years full of ups and downs. "He will always be a part of us – he has achieved too much for that, and we like him too much," emphasized Polzin. Reis moved from FC Barcelona's second team to HSV in 2021 and immediately became a regular player. HSV twice came close to promotion but failed in the playoffs, followed by a disappointing fourth place.

Under Polzin, the Rothosen made the redeeming step back to the top league. In the promotion match against Ulm (6:1), Reis scored the crucial equalizer. After the final whistle, he led the extensive celebrations. Even months after his departure, the 25-year-old still refers to the Volksparkstadion as his "living room." Although he clearly identified with the club and city and played a central role in the management's plans, he moved to FC Brugge.

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After a decent start, Reis was held back by a familiar shoulder injury, which had already appeared in Hamburg, and has not yet realized his dream of playing in the Champions League. He is currently in rehab, working diligently towards his comeback, which is planned for the beginning of the new year.

Photo: Getty Images

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