Walter: “It’ll be an interesting game”

After a successful start to the second round of fixtures with the 2-0 win over FC Schalke 04, Hamburger SV face Karlsruher SC in their first home game of the year on Sunday (13:30 CET). During the previous calendar year 2023, the Rothosen suffered just one home defeat in the 2. Bundesliga, going more than 365 days unbeaten at the Volksparkstadion before succumbing 2-1 to SC Paderborn in what is their most recent home loss. It’s therefore obvious that the Rothosen will also want to start the new year successfully in front of their own fans and at the same time start a new winning run. Their opponents this time are the league’s 11th-placed side, who are a team on the up, as Tim Walter explained in today’s press conference.

The 48-year-old spoke in detail on...

...his expectations for the game: KSC are currently having their best spell. They picked up quite a few points before the winter break. It’ll be an interesting game: KSC play the most long balls in the division. We’ll have to defend these and brace ourselves for lots of aerial duels and crosses. We want to carry out our game plan and be resolute in both attack and defence. We managed that really well in the game at Schalke.

...the squad situation: We’re still working on Masaya Okugawa’s fitness. He keeps struggling with knee issues. I don’t think he’ll be available at the weekend. William Mikelbrencis is on a good path and should return to team training next week. It’s looking similar for Tom Mickel, who’s making progress with his rib. We’re still waiting on Sebastian Schonlau.

"We hope that he’ll score a lot more goals and fire us to victory to mark this milestone."

...Robert Glatzel, who is on the verge of his 100th game for HSV: I wish him only the best for this upcoming milestone. ‘Bobby’ has developed brilliantly here over the last two and a half years, and has given a lot for the team. That’s because of the hard work that he puts in every day. He is extremely consistent, is always on the pitch because of his fitness and always wants to improve in every aspect. We’re happy to have him. We hope that he’ll score a lot more goals and fire us to victory to mark this milestone.