Training Camp

Mutzel: "We see the idea confirmed".

In the HSV.de interview, sporting director Michael Mutzel sums up his training camp and discusses the squad structure, the feeling of unity within the team and the outlook for the rest of the second half of the season.

He didn't miss a single unit: Michael Mutzel was present at every training session in Sotogrande and got a detailed picture of the performance of the Rothosen professionals. But the smartphone was also a constant companion of the HSV sports director, who has a busy start to the year due to the winter transfer period that has just begun. Apart from that, however, there was also plenty of fun to be had, as was particularly evident in the padel tennis tournament. There, the ex-professional played his way into the final alongside board member Jonas Boldt and earned the appreciation of the team, which was full of atmosphere. Why the defeat in the final was beneficial for the team climate, what conclusions the 41-year-old draws from the winter training camp in Sotogrande and what transfer movements could come about even in Corona times, Michael Mutzel explained in the HSV.de interview.

Michael, the training camp in Spain ended successfully with a 3:1 test match victory against KSC. What did you learn in Sotogrande?

First of all, it was the right decision to fly to Spain in the first place. We had a long and controversial discussion about it in Hamburg, but now at the end of this week we see ourselves confirmed in our idea of creating a bubble on site where we can find peace and quiet and no disturbing noises in order to get even closer together. We were there among ourselves, which felt good. The hotel and the courses offered very good conditions, which is why we are super satisfied. We were able to strengthen the group feeling. At the same time, you have to say that you usually have a good time in a training camp. In the end, it's all about a successful start to the second half of the season, and we're facing a tough game in Dresden.

The atmosphere in the team seems to be very good. You could get this impression not only here in Sotogrande, but also in the past weeks and months. How do you experience the atmosphere in the team?

I agree. You can see on and off the pitch that a real team has developed more and more and is still developing. In this respect, the coaching team also makes a very important contribution because they always find topics for the whole group and also provide stimuli outside the sport. Overall, you can see a good development. We have a few boys who take responsibility and lead the way and many young players who are important for the team in their roles. We wanted to strengthen this sense of community even more this week so that we can continue to attack in the second half of the season.

The joint activities also included a padel tennis tournament, where you played your way to the final alongside Jonas Boldt. What kind of experience was that?

It was a super change for the boys and fun for everyone involved. After we were asked if we wanted to participate, we also made ourselves available. That was great fun. In the end, it's quite good that we didn't win, otherwise it would have been really unpleasant for the team. (laughs)

Vagnoman on the ball. "He would be a good option with his physicality and speed," says Michael Mutzel about Josha Vagnoman, who only trained individually in Sotogrande.

Let's take a look at the personnel situation: With Maximilian Rohr and Stephan Ambrosius, two players returned to team training in Sotogrande. How far along are these players and how important is it to get more width in the squad?

That is definitely important. With Maxi and Stephan, it was planned that they would be partially integrated during the training camp. Josha Vagnoman also continued to work on the individual area. With all three of them, training here was very possible because they are getting the best possible medical care. They are making great strides and I hope they will be fully fit again soon.

You mention "Joshi": He has been out for a relatively long time now. What is the reason why he is still training exclusively in the individual area?

The issue in his thigh is quite good, so he was already close to rejoining team training. During the build-up phase, however, he developed some problems with his Achilles tendon. It's a minor issue that's hampering him a bit on the way back. We hope that he will be back with the team in full soon. He would be a good option with his physicality and speed and was one of the regulars before his injury.

One player who did not travel to Sotogrande for quarantine reasons is Tommy Doyle. To what extent will the Englishman still play a role in the future?

We had a conversation with Tommy before the winter break in which he told us that he wanted more playing time and that was also the reason for the loan. This playing time was limited, so he asked to be able to end the loan. We agreed to that for the time being. Tommy is now looking for a new club. We assume for the time being that he probably won't come back, but we don't want to rule that out 100 per cent.

Kinsombi and Heyer applaud. Team spirit - demonstrated here by Moritz Heyer (l.) and David Kinsombi (r.) - should be a key factor in the remaining second half of the season.

Are there any thoughts about loaning out players who didn't get much playing time in the first half of the season, or will nothing more happen on the departure side for the time being?

We deliberately didn't build a squad that was too bloated this season, so we don't plan to give any players away for the time being.

To what extent does the fourth Corona wave influence what happens on the transfer market? After all, clubs might run the risk of having a lot of absentees. That could make it more difficult to make commitments because the full width of the squad is needed.

Financially and in terms of personnel, a lot is changing because of the Corona crisis. It's a crazy time at the moment. It's certainly becoming an issue now that many clubs are thinking and planning more securely to keep the young players with them. We ourselves have full confidence in our medical department and our approach to the Corona pandemic. We are in a great position, had virtually no cases or were able to isolate them immediately. We are therefore not afraid that we will suddenly lose eight players, and we are not letting ourselves be driven by this with regard to additions. I don't think that's right either, because it's right within the squad and we don't want to change too much.

Finally: In the past second league seasons, a strong first half of the season could not be confirmed in the second half. What makes you confident for this season?

If you look at the season so far, we have developed from week to week and month to month and have become more stable on and off the field. I don't see why this development process shouldn't continue. Not only do we have a high number of young players, but we have also found a functioning framework that gives us stability.