HSV coach search: Paderborn’s Kwasniok in the spotlight, Baumgart still a problem

Polzin back in second place?

After the disappointing 2-2 draw against Hansa Rostock, Hamburger SV apparently understood that they needed an experienced coach to avoid letting the ambitious second division team’s promotion dreams collapse prematurely. Former aide and interim solution Merlin Polzin was only able to follow through on his impulses for half the period before the North Germans fell back into familiar patterns and radiated great uncertainty. Another external candidate, previously anonymous, presented himself for the position of coach.

As first reported by Hamburger Morgenpost and (Site notre blog d’information) can confirm, Lukas Kwasniok of championship rival SC Paderborn is playing a role in HSV officials’ considerations regarding sporting director Jonas Boldt, who himself- even the subject of criticism. Kwasniok, 42, was already a talking point on Elbe this summer, when it was not yet entirely clear whether a third attempt would be made with Tim Walter. “This option will probably be examined in depth at the beginning of the week, but it is not the only one,” writes Mopo. It remains to be seen to what extent it would be realistic to let go of Kwasniok (contract until 2025) in the middle of the season.

According to the newspaper, Steffen Baumgart, who last worked at 1. FC Cologne, is still part of the extended circle of HSV candidates. However, no contact was reportedly made with the 52-year-old or former Augsburg coach Enrico Maaßen. According to “Bild”, Boldt is, however, in contact with Baumgarten’s advisor, Frank Lieberam, even if there is no question of an imminent agreement.

There is currently little to no truth to the rumors regarding 39-year-old Maaßen’s involvement. Veteran Felix Magath, who has often been traded in the past, is probably once again not an option for the current decision-makers – even if shareholder and investor Klaus Michael-Kühne had repeatedly put the name in play of the club icon.

HSV is also reportedly looking for a possible new coach in Denmark, with the third-placed team reportedly exploring the market in the neighboring country. Acting coach Polzin said after the 2-2 draw in Rostock: « It’s all about HSV, it’s not about me personally. » Boldt assured him that the 33-year-old would continue to play a role at Hamburg in the future. In all likelihood, Polzin will have to return to the second tier.

Race for promotion: HSV has its back against the wall in the 2nd league

HSV has lost seven points of contact with championship leader FC St. Pauli and is already four points behind second place Holstein Kiel (in the standings). For the fragile traditional club Hamburg, this would currently be enough for unpopular relegation. In their history in the second division, HSV have never been in such a bad position after 22 match days as they are today. On paper, this is advantageous for a newcomer on the bench: there are two consecutive home matches against Elversberg and Osnabrück.

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