“We want to put in a much better performance”

Hamburger SV host 1. FC Nürnberg at the Volksparkstadion in the final game of the season on Sunday (19th May, 15:30 CEST). On Friday, 17th May, the usual press conference took place ahead of the game. Head coach Steffen Baumgart discussed the squad situation, spoke about Mario Vuskovic’s hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and looked back on the season as a whole.

The 52-year-old spoke in detail about...

...the squad situation and his aims for the match: Sebastian Schonlau and Manu Pherai are still doubts. Dennis Hadzikadunic and Ignace Van der Brempt won’t be able to play. Everyone else is an option for the squad. We want to play well in the final game and put in a much better performance.

...Mario Vuskovic’s hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport: None of us can put ourselves in his shoes. I think the board have clearly set out what our priorities are though. We’re just hoping that it goes well for him and the club.

...the season as a whole: We didn’t achieve our aim. We wanted to be promoted and we didn’t manage that. I’m not happy, including with my personal contribution. If we look at the statistics though, it doesn’t look as bad as it sometimes seems. We have a lot to do ahead of next season however. Next year, it’s not just about improving, but also achieving our aim.