Nur die Raute
·19 septembre 2025
"Truly shocking": TV presenter left disappointed by HSV

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Yahoo sportsNur die Raute
·19 septembre 2025
The weak season start of HSV has not gone unnoticed by journalist Alex Schlüter. One match in particular disappointed him.
Alex Schlüter knows HSV well. Not only because he has lived in Hamburg for four years, but also because he maintains close contact with die-hard fans of the Rothosen. Nevertheless, he does not hold back with criticism of the Bundesliga returnee. After the 0:5 in Munich and especially after the derby defeat against FC St. Pauli, the ARD moderator was disillusioned.
“Of course, you can also lose against St. Pauli,” Schlüter said in the podcast of the Hamburger Abendblatt. “But the manner was really shocking.” What bothers him particularly: HSV showed nothing of its old identity. In recent years, there have also been setbacks, but these were often accompanied by spectacle. “Then the fans went home and said: Yes, that's just how they are, the Hamburgers. But against St. Pauli, it was the opposite of spectacle. That worried me.”
His conclusion: The new football approach of coach Merlin Polzin is not yet taking hold. “By now, you should have found your game idea. The fact that this hasn't happened is somehow no longer really professional.” Polzin has initiated changes that need time. But in the Bundesliga, time is not unlimited. “HSV has definitely not found itself yet,” says Schlüter.
For the 40-year-old, the upcoming home game against Heidenheim on Saturday (3:30 PM, Sky) is therefore a real key duel. “This match will be insanely important,” he emphasizes. Heidenheim has lost important key players, and a victory is a must for HSV to avoid getting off track early. “A statement needs to be made now,” demands Schlüter.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.