“Want to be ready and deliver a strong performance”

53 days after their last competitive game, Hamburger SV will be back in action on Friday night, as they host FC Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga 2 season opener (28th July, 20:30 CEST). Head coach Tim Walter spoke about the squad and the first match of the 2023/24 season during today’s pre-game press conference.

Tim Walter on…

…HSV legend Felix Magath: “A good friend and a very familiar face here is celebrating his birthday today. Felix, wishing you all the best on your 70th birthday! We wish you a long life. You’re always a welcome visitor here.”

…the squad: "Anssi Suhonen and William Mikelbrencis won’t be able to play, and Ludovit Reis also isn’t fully fit yet. Sebastian Schonlau is still feeling some discomfort in his calf, but it’s slowly getting better. Miro Muheim has completed parts of team training, so we will have to wait and see whether he’s okay in time for Friday. The same goes for Dennis Hadzikadunic.”

…the start of the season: “We’re happy to be getting underway again and want to be ready and put in a strong performance on Friday. Despite the absence of several experienced players, I have full confidence in the boys. They now have a chance to prove that they can do it just as well.”

…areas of improvement compared to last season: “We want to be even more compact, resolute and hungry in defence. We also had the best attack in the league last season, which is something we’re looking to repeat.”