Perrin: “I love working hard”

Lucas Perrin had already been able to take in the famous atmosphere of the Volksparkstadion, watching on as the Rothosen won 4-1 at home to Preußen Münster last weekend. Five days later, the Frenchman played with his new teammates for the first time in a friendly match against Holstein Kiel. “It was a good start,” commented the 25-year-old after full time. “I’d been training individually in France for a while, so any game time does me some good.” The head coach was also pleased with his new defender’s first outing. “Lucas showed what he can do, it was a very solid performance for a first appearance,” summarised Steffan Baumgart, who is convinced that Perrin will soon be at 100%. “We’re always trying to play at top speed, in every game but also in every training session. This daily intensity means that Lucas will quickly get up to speed. What’s also helpful is that he has a great work ethic, and he’s been completing extra sessions. Therefore, I’m convinced he’ll soon be match-fit in a few weeks, and not only that, but he’ll also be at optimal fitness.” 

The former Ligue 1 player, who made 99 appearances in the French top tier, is giving everything to get there. “I both want to and need to work hard and train a lot,” he said, “I love working hard.” This statement isn’t restricted to the confines of the football pitch, either. “I’m starting German lessons next week, because so far, I only know a few words,” added Perrin, who was looking for a special challenge after two years at Strasbourg. “I told the president of Strasbourg that I want a fresh start, a new experience, a new place to develop and to learn something new. When HSV’s offer came in, I thought it over for about 20 minutes, then decided it was exactly what I was looking for.” Perrin continued: “HSV is a proper traditional club, and I was really impressed by the fantastic atmosphere at the ground. I’m very happy and also proud to call myself a HSV player.” Despite being at a new club, in a new city, in a new country, with a new language – the defender was certainly familiar with the atmosphere he experienced at the Volksparkstadion. “It reminded me of Marseille.” His hometown, in which his footballing career began. Now, Lucas Perrin is looking to take the next steps in Hamburg.