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Training
03.09.24
Rothosen reunited and closer united
With the exception of those called up for international duty, the majority of the HSV first-team squad took part in Tuesday’s training session. Captain Sebastian Schonlau and some other players had recently been to Split to visit Mario Vuskovic and offer their personal support.
Despite only a small group of players participating in training at the Volksparkstadion on Monday, HSV got down to business as a collective again for today’s session. They were joined by the team’s latest addition: Kevin McKenna oversaw the session as HSV’s new assistant coach. Some other returnees included seven first-team squad members, such as captain Sebastian Schonlau, as well as some of the backroom staff who travelled to Split to make a surprise visit to see Mario Vuskovic. “We all thought it was great to see him again, and it was a pleasant day for Mario as well,” explained Schonlau at a press conference following Tuesday’s session. “We spent a good few hours together. We knew straight after the decision was made that we wanted to do something for him. Words are one thing, but it’s difficult to find the right ones. Therefore, we thought it better to show him that whatever happens, we’ll be there for him, and we wanted to convey this message to him in person.”
![Captain Sebastian Schonlau has done an exemplary job leading the team both on and off the pitch since the 2021/22 season. Captain Sebastian Schonlau has done an exemplary job leading the team both on and off the pitch since the 2021/22 season.](/fileadmin/_processed_/f/8/csm_Schonlau_Pokal_585_fefc50e8b7.jpg)
Following the decision of the CAS exactly one week ago, there has been a whole load of support from the HSV family for Vuskovic, including from the stands of the Volksparkstadion during the 4-1 victory over Preußen Münster at the weekend. Head coach Steffen Baumgart emphasised the fact that Mario is part of the HSV family and expressed his understanding for the efforts of the delegation that went to Split. “I’m pleased that the lads came up with this idea. They didn’t have the day off, but they used the day to help the HSV family,” explained the 52-year-old yesterday after Schonlau and Co. apologised for not turning up to training. “Our priority was to get Mario to focus on other things, so that for the 24 hours that we were there, he didn’t have to think about the decision or about football, but instead just have a fun time with his mates,” the skipper reflected on the journey. “I was really impressed with Mario. The way in which he and his family are going about it is remarkable. I hope he gets through the next few months as well, and I believe he will, because he’ll continue to train; as a footballer, he doesn’t know any different.”
Now that the centre-back has returned to Hamburg and has served his one-match suspension, he will be available for HSV’s next fixture against Jahn Regensburg. In the meantime, the 30-year-old will make a full return to team training alongside his colleagues, with Jean-Luc Dompe even getting back involved with some of the session. Daniel Elfadli has continued to train individually, and according to Baumgart, he is said to be moving into the next stage of his recovery. Even if the summer signing, HSV’s five national-team players and long-term injured players Bakery Jatta and Valon Zumberi were unable to take part in today’s training, the rest of the Rothosen have reunited at the start of the international break. Not only that, but the team is also united, as the voyage to Split has clearly shown.