HSV reserves in crisis: is relegation to the Oberliga looming? | OneFootball

The newly formed HSV U21 started the season quite promisingly, but then fell into a slump and could become a permanent fixture in the relegation battle of the Regionalliga Nord.

Much like the HSV first team, the second team also underwent a major upheaval. A total of 15 players left the club, while 12 new arrivals joined—mainly from their own U19 squad, resulting in an average squad age of 20.3 years. Lukas Anderer, previously responsible for the U19s, also took over as coach. His protégés demonstrated their talent at an international youth tournament, where they managed, among other things, a victory over the U21 team of Paris St. Germain.

However, they are still not accustomed to the much more physical adult football. Established Regionalliga teams repeatedly outplayed the HSV U21. This was evident in matches against Bremer SV (0:3), who were actually considered relegation candidates, or SV Meppen (0:4), where the young team had nothing to counter with.

HSV U21 slips to 16th place

On their own turf, HSV’s second team has come up completely empty so far. The four points they have earned so far came from away games at Hannover 96 II (0:0) and at SV Drochtersen/Assel, who have third-division ambitions (2:0). On Friday evening, the Hanseatics seemed to be on their way back to success. They led 2:0 at Weiche Flensburg until the 68th minute, but ended up empty-handed.

Three goals in 17 minutes sealed their fourth consecutive defeat. “We missed the chance to score the third goal and then felt how much quality Weiche has on set pieces. Accordingly, it’s extremely bitter that we’re leaving here with nothing,” lamented Coach Anderer after the final whistle. His team remains in 16th place out of 18—a position that could mean relegation to the Oberliga at the end of the season.

Nur die Raute – All the news about HSV

Accordingly, the next three matches, all against newly promoted teams, will be crucial. Within 17 days, HSV U21 will play away at HSC Hannover, Altona 93, and FSV Schöningen. If there is no turnaround, a season at the bottom of the table seems almost inevitable. Relegation to the fifth tier would be a disaster for Hamburger SV, whose youth players are supposed to gain match experience at the highest possible level.

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