Polzin on HSV history: ‘Can be a huge source of strength’ | OneFootball

Merlin Polzin is convincing as HSV coach not only through tactics and training work. He also relies on emotion, identity, and the power of the club’s own history.

The Hamburg coach has made a very conscious effort this season to bring the club’s special DNA back into the team’s daily routine more strongly. Successfully.

As Sport Bild has now revealed, the HSV diamond also played a central role. An oversized sign regularly hung in the dressing room and was used during tactical meetings. For Polzin, the symbolism behind it was crucial. “What is it that actually defines HSV? That’s what we tried to show them clearly, especially visually,” he explained.

The background: after the major upheaval following promotion, Polzin wanted to convey to the team as quickly as possible what the club stands for. In doing so, the coaching staff repeatedly drew on historical elements of HSV. “No matter what it’s about, in the end it’s only about HSV,” was the message communicated internally.

Photo: IMAGO

Creative HSV measures for survival in the league

It was especially important to Polzin that the players develop a sense of the size and tradition of their employer. “The club’s history can give you incredible power,” said the 35-year-old. That was particularly helpful in difficult phases, creating stability and energy within the team.

Nur die Raute – All the latest HSV news

Off the pitch as well, HSV relied on targeted measures to strengthen team spirit. Before home games, club employees were involved and gave the professionals personal messages. In addition, the club organized joint activities with staff and fans to further strengthen the connection between the team and its surroundings.

Polzin sees this as an important building block in the successful season. After securing Bundesliga survival, the coach emphasized: “This is an outstanding success.” With 37 points, the Rothosen sit in 11th place with one matchday left in the season. A win against Bayer Leverkusen (Saturday, 3:30 p.m.) could even see them reach the prestigious 40-point mark.

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