Huwer: “We have to be capable of taking action and future-orientated”

HSV Fußball AG has had its best financial year since the spin-off nine years ago. Are the years of being in the red now finally over?

Dr. Eric Huwer: Achieving a balanced financial result is our target, but it’s not the be-all and end-all if we don’t achieve this goal. In this current financial year, we faced particular challenges; the modernisation of the Volksparkstadion and the capital allowance associated to that have an impact on the annual financial figures. The same goes for our conscious decision not to sell our in-demand, best performing players in the most recent summer transfer window. In my opinion, we shouldn’t focus on the financial figures in isolation anyway; it’s crucial that we always have a differentiated perspective on the overall situation, taking into account the particular industry-specific dynamics and development. With regard to our development, I can say in all conscience that we have stabilised our position again and that we’re prepared for the upcoming challenges. We have two fundamental goals: we have to be capable of taking action and be future-orientated. That’s why it’s good that we’ve still got potential to improve.

How stable is HSV economically and financially?

Dr. Eric Huwer: We are financially independent. Our negotiating power has improved on all levels, which is directly reflected in our results and in the long-term direction of the club. The consistent recovery process in the second division is paying off. We rely on financial solidity and stability to allow us to be capable of taking action and we work hard on achieving that stability each and every day. We’re very grateful to our fans and partners for their loyalty and their tremendous support, which is not only evident in the sold-out home matches. We maintain a substantive and very trusting dialogue, have identified areas for action and are aware of the next steps and milestones. The cooperation among the board members and with the stakeholders is characterised by high levels of trust and everyone just wants the best for HSV. Our staff members have played a fundamental role in us being able to achieve such a positive annual financial result and they’re also one of the primary reasons why we are able to take on the upcoming challenges head on.

What do you think are going to be your biggest challenges in the near future? And what do you think the biggest opportunities are going to be?

Dr. Eric Huwer: It’s our duty to constantly stay focused on our most important asset – the matchday experience – and try to optimise it for the HSV fans. That’s why we think that the construction projects to improve the infrastructure at the club are an important and long overdue step that we need to take. It’s not just a case of adhering to the EURO 2024 guidelines. We must also continue to maximise our efforts to create the best possible conditions for lasting sporting success. It means we have to generate funds which we can use to invest in our sporting and infrastructural development. Up to this point, our approach has been shaped by hard work, reliability and integrity. We don’t want to, and we’re not going to stop doing things this way.

We can see more potential to grow in terms of our marketing. HSV stands for long-established values, a clear strategy and philosophy, which other businesses and organisations can identify with. We can see a lot of potential for joint success stories and will offer possible partners a platform to market content to a large audience. We want to have success together and then tell people about these success stories afterwards.