Schonlau: “This team is experiencing that right now”

A challenging few weeks lie behind HSV captain Sebastian Schonlau. Since his arrival at HSV in the summer of 2021, the centre-back has demonstrated impressive leadership as club captain of the Rothosen, giving his all for the team and club both on and off the pitch, repeatedly burdening responsibility and acting in exemplary fashion. The 30-year-old has found himself in an unfamiliar role of late, however. The captain, who had previously been a permanent fixture in the starting line-up for 107 of his 110 competitive appearances for HSV, did not feature in four straight fixtures. In the home game against Elversberg, ‘Bascho’ then made his return to fill in for the injured Dennis Hadzikadunic, who had to be substituted off. Therefore, he is now first in line to come in for the upcoming game away to Nürnberg. “I and the entire team know that we can place full faith in Bascho. He’s 100% ready for the next game,” explained HSV head coach Merlin Polzin, who has repeatedly praised the way in which Schonlau has dealt with his newfound role in recent days and weeks. The captain himself has now spoken to the media to answer questions at the short training camp in Spain. Schonlau on…

… his appearance against Elversberg: It was obviously not for a nice reason that I got to feature, since it was due to Denno’s (Dennis Hadzikadunic) injury, but I was pleased to be able to play 20 to 25 minutes. I had not experienced that for a few games and there is no better feeling than when you can kick a ball again. It was fun and I enjoyed myself.

… adapting to a substitute role: Despite some personal disappointment, you are nevertheless still aware of your importance for the team and club. I understand the role. You can’t go from leading as captain for three and a half years to then sulking when things don’t go your way personally. I am aiming to continue to work on myself and my performances so that I retain my level and can play my part for these boys.

“To win and to celebrate as a collective are the reasons why we play team sports”

… learning processes from the last few weeks: To be honest, I have probably learned more about myself over these past six weeks as I did during the three years beforehand. Challenges that you face teach you a lot about yourself, so I am just trying to retain this mindset even if it is not easy to see this as an opportunity.

… team spirit: To win and to celebrate as a collective are the reasons why we play team sports and this team is experiencing that right now, each and every one of the boys. That is what sets us apart this year, since we are enjoying the success together as a team. Everyone is pleased for each other and competition for places does not have a bearing on that. The way in which we seal promotion is not important, rather simply the fact that we do get promoted.