"Deserve their place in the league" – Elfadli hails HSV's big progress | OneFootball

HSV remained unbeaten in the last two matches and wants to continue this streak in their home game against Mainz 05. Daniel Elfadli looks positively at the recent performances but still sees room for improvement.

“I think we’ve taken a step forward in our development, we’re more attuned and more solid as a team,” he said in the HSV matchday check. From the defender’s perspective, every week of training brings “great progress.” This is understandable, as the full squad has only been together for just over a month and has played three competitive matches together since then. In total, the coaching team led by Merlin Polzin had to integrate twelve new signings.

That’s why, according to Daniel Elfadli, a lot of emphasis is placed on communication within the team. In the recent 0:0 draw against Union Berlin, many processes already worked well. For the first time, HSV delivered a Bundesliga-level performance from start to finish. Nevertheless, they missed out on the win, which Elfadli lamented: “I think we created good chances that we need to use more effectively. We’re not getting as many chances as we did last year.”

Elfadli sees flexibility as a strength

Accordingly, the 28-year-old, who boasts the best pass completion rate in the entire league at 97%, called for more composure in front of goal. So far, HSV has only scored two goals this season, both in the home win over Heidenheim. Still, Elfadli emphasized: “We absolutely deserve to be in the league.” He himself is new to the Bundesliga and was even playing in the Oberliga as recently as 2021.

Nevertheless, Elfadli always believed he could make the jump “right from the start.” So far, he has only played in the back three, both centrally and on the left side. Now, due to the absence of Warmed Omari, a move to the right side of the back three is possible, and the Libyan international is open to it: “Basically, I like to play in one position to get used to the routines, but it’s also one of my strengths that I can be used flexibly.”

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However, it’s also possible that he’ll remain on the left side next to new defensive leader Luka Vuskovic, should Polzin choose Guilherme Ramos as Omari’s replacement. Ultimately, Elfadli wants to win the home game against Mainz “with all his might.” The fans in the sold-out Volksparkstadion will once again play a central role, as their support gives HSV “tremendous force.” This already proved decisive against Heidenheim (2:1) – and is expected to influence the game again today, Sunday.

(Photo: Getty Images)

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