Team

Elfadli: “That’s the reason I came to HSV”

Daniel Elfadli has been a regular in the HSV side since his move from 1. FC Magdeburg, featuring in a number of different positions. Ahead of the clash with his former club, he spoke about his versatility and the game on Sunday afternoon.

The signing of Daniel Elfadli over the summer has proven a real success already. The versatile defensive midfielder, who HSV were interested in last year but were only able to bring to Hamburg in 2024, impressed from day one at his new club. The Libya international will now face his former club for the first time this Sunday. Whilst at 1. FC Magdeburg, Elfadli was part of the team that won promotion to the second division and he quickly made a name for himself once in the 2. Bundesliga, ensuring a number of clubs were interested in him, including HSV. The 27-year-old spoke to the media on Wednesday about his role in the team and the home game against 1. FCM. Daniel Elfaldi discussed…

…dealing with the absence of the injured Robert Glatzel: As a team, it really hurts us when a player gets a bad injury and is out for a long time. We know that we can only be successful as a team. Bobby’s injury is really painful for all of us, but above all for him. We wish him a speedy recovery and will support him. We have to compensate for his absence as a team and I’m confident we can do that. We’ve got lots of depth in our squad and a number of players with real quality. Our task is to bring that quality onto the pitch.

…his versatility and his favourite position: I’ll play where the coach picks me. Ultimately, my main focus is to be on the pitch. I feel comfortable as a defensive midfielder, but also at centre-back. I’ll play wherever the coach needs me and where I can best help the team to win each game against each individual opponent.

…the special game against 1. FC Magdeburg: I had two good years in Magdeburg. I grew as a person and a player and I’m looking forward to the game and seeing everyone again – I’m really thankful to 1. FC Magdeburg for giving me the chance back then. We obviously want to win this game and I’ve told the coaching team about a few of their strengths and weaknesses. Magdeburg keep on improving, they play good football and have a clear plan, which they usually follow out on the pitch. We know it’s going to be a tough game.

…his unique career path, having only become a professional footballer in his mid-20s: What I’m experiencing at the minute is still something special. It was the case in Magdeburg and obviously is here at HSV too. I was looking for a challenge like this to get better. I think I’m improving and I feel like my game is maturing too. I’m getting input from the coaching team every day as well, which helps me to grow. I’m genuinely enjoying every single day and want to contribute towards the team’s goal of winning promotion to the Bundesliga – that’s the reason I came to HSV.