Polzin: "A good week’s training is vital"

Week five of the still relatively new year is set to be a busy one for Merlin Polzin and his HSV side. The head coach and his assistant Loic Fave received their UEFA professional coaching licenses in Frankfurt on Monday evening (27th January), before the new week of training began yesterday (Tuesday 28th January) ahead of the clash at home to Hannover 96. Tuesday was also a day for squad updates as Davie Selke (cheekbone fracture) and Bakery Jatta (syndesmotic ligament tear) both underwent successful surgery in Hamburg. Versatile defender Moritz Heyer left the club after four-and-a-half years to join Fortuna Düsseldorf while winger Adedire Mebude moved to Belgian top flight outfit KVC Westerlo on loan. Head coach spoke about these topics and others on Tuesday afternoon following the first training session of the week. Polzin on...

… receiving his pro license: I really enjoyed looking back on the past year with my fellow coaching staff members and especially on some of the funny moments. We are all proud of how far we have come together in recent months. We really appreciate the way in which HSV has provided support for the team at each step of the long road towards getting our pro licenses.

… squad reinforcement: We are fully aware that this squad possesses a lot of quality and I am impressed by what I am seeing from the lads. However, at the same time, injuries are restricting us from reaching our full potential as a squad, for which we need everyone fit and ready. In light of that, we have looked at various options which we have discussed at length in order to make the best decisions regarding solutions. Nevertheless, focusing on the work done in training remains my priority, since I believe a good week’s training is vital.

"Davie would love to be back out on that pitch tomorrow – you certainly can’t fault his motivation. We need to make a decision that is best for the long term, though, and not simply for the Hannover game."

… Davie Selke: Davie is raring to get going again after his successful surgery. It was a bit of a strange situation for him because it initially looked as if he would be out for some time. We hope now though to have him back as soon as possible. He is in good hands with our medical department, who will provide judgement on whether a protective mask is required. He needs to feel comfortable in order to be able to help us once again. Davie would love to be back out on that pitch tomorrow – you certainly can’t fault his motivation. We need to make a decision that is best for the long term, though, and not simply for the Hannover game. There is still a long second half of the season ahead of us so we need him at the top of his game. We trust the rest of the squad to fill in if he needs another week’s recovery. 

… the departure of Moritz Heyer: I am pleased that he is linking up with as good a coach as Daniel (Thioune). I know how hard he works and the attitude with which he approaches every day, so I’m happy for Mo and I hope that he can get some more minutes from now on. He has always been an example member of the squad who was very popular in the locker room. We wish him all the best and look forward to seeing him again soon.

… further squad updates: Fabio Balde is back on the training pitch, albeit in individual sessions. We will make a judgement on him in the coming days. He has carried some aches and pains in the past so we don’t want to risk throwing him back into action too early on. Manu Pherai has upped his workload in the training centre, but that’s something we are trying to increase gradually and the game isn’t until Sunday anyway. We don’t want to rush things with him either.