First Team

HSV and Dompe begin FCK preparations

This week’s truncated programme of training kicked off with a clear attacking focus. Winger Jean-Luc Dompe returned, while top scorer Robert Glatzel completed an individual session in the gym.

Preparations for Saturday’s game against 1. FC Kaiserslautern (12:45 CEST) got underway in typically overcast conditions on Wednesday morning. After the usual warm-ups and passing drills, the HSV squad worked on their play with the ball in tight areas. The focus throughout the 90-minute session was on attacking scenarios; Steffen Baumgart and his coaching staff have repeatedly called for quick finishes from crosses. The Rothosen, who looked lively and engaged after a day off yesterday, even received a practical demonstration from Baumgart as the 52-year-old former striker put his 367 appearances in the top two tiers to good use, flicking the ball into the far corner with aplomb.

Head coach Steffen Baumgart, striker Otto Stange and midfielder Immanuel Pherai (L-R).

HSV’s top scorer this season, 16-goal Robert Glatzel, missed out on Baumgart’s display of prowess – and the session as a whole – instead training individually in the gym under the watchful eye of the physiotherapy team. Two players who were there for the day’s training, however, were young attacker Otto Stange and winger Jean-Luc Dompe. The 28-year-old Frenchman, who has been absent for the last three games due to injury, could be in contention for Saturday’s clash with the Red Devils. Question marks remain over the fitness of right-back Ignace Van der Brempt, whose involvement on Wednesday was limited to an individual session with fitness coach Sebastian Capel. Hannes Hermann and Elijah Krahn were not present, as the duo are taking on SV Meppen in the Regionalliga with the U21s this evening (18:50 CEST).

Steffen Baumgart’s side have two further training sessions in which to hone their work-rate and efficiency in the final third, and for their returning players to build up match fitness.