HSV-Trainer Merlin Polzin schwärmt von Kathleen Krüger

Merlin Polzin on Pre-Season Work in Ötztal

Preparation for the upcoming Bundesliga campaign has taken Hamburger SV from the picturesque heights of Oberlängenfeld in the Austrian Ötztal to the final administrative adjustments at the club’s headquarters. Following a 13th-place finish in their first season back in the top flight, coach Merlin Polzin and his staff are looking to solidify the squad’s foundation. While controlled possession and defensive shape met expectations last term, Polzin points to transitions—specifically moments immediately following ball wins and ball losses—as the primary areas requiring development. In the interview with SPORT1, the 35-year-old explained that not all Neuerungen bei der Weltmeisterschaft were in his sense and good for football.

Kathleen Krüger Steps In as Sporting Board Member

The administrative shift brings Kathleen Krüger to the Volkspark as the club’s new sporting board member, arriving from FC Bayern. On the very last Tuesday, the HSV officially announced the signing of Kathleen Krüger. She will take up her duties at the Volkspark starting July 1. Krüger was previously employed at the record-breaking club as the head of sports strategy and development until the end of the month in Munich. Plans for an early contract extension with successful coach Merlin Polzin are expected to quickly land on her desk.

Telephone Exchange Between Merlin Polzin and Kathleen Krüger

Polzin and Krüger already held an initial telephone exchange before her arrival. Polzin stated that it was no secret they had already been in contact and had spoken, and added that it had been a very positive conversation, noting they were well on the same page regarding HSV and the further development of the diamond, and expressing extreme delight that the club had found a solution that would ultimately benefit all of them. Krüger is expected to have few other ideas regarding an extension beyond the summer of 2027.

Patson Daka Arrives on a Free Transfer

Patson Daka Introduction at the Hamburg Team

On the pitch, the club secured a notable addition by bringing in 27-year-old striker Patson Daka on a free transfer, boasting 17 goal contributions in 76 Premier League games, 70 goal contributions in 82 Austrian Bundesliga games, and plenty of experiences from the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, along with 21 goals in 47 international matches. Yesterday, the Hamburg team officially introduced the 1.83 m tall attacker as a newcomer.

While his market value dipped from a personal top market value of 22 million euros in 2021 down to a meager three million euros due to recent downward form, club leadership expressed clear enthusiasm for the signing. Sportvorständin Kathleen Krüger said about the Daka deal that in him they were gaining a center forward who very well met the requirements profile they had defined, while simultaneously possessing a wealth of experience at the international level, expressing conviction that Patson could immediately help their team with his qualities and stating her great delight in welcoming him to HSV.

Tactical Fit and Squad Adjustments Under Claus Costa

Daka’s profile aligns directly with Polzin’s tactical approach, which relies on aggressive pressing and rapid transitions following turnovers. His explosive acceleration and background in high-press systems at RB Salzburg make him a natural outlet for vertical passes behind opposing backlines. As Polzin noted, the club has clear ideas discussed during the summer break with Kathleen (Krüger, Vorstand Sport), Claus (Costa, Sportdirektor), and Eric (Huwer, Vorstand Finanzen), with profiles and the exact style fully set. Alongside Albert Grönbaek and Martin Adeline, the team continues patient and detailed searches for fitting players. For the HSV, the season ends on Saturday in Leverkusen.