Opposition Check: Hamburger SV

A look at the present shows that those days are history. HSV has been playing in the 2. Bundesliga for seven years now. But currently, the Hanseatic club is closer than it has been in a long time to finally finding its way back to the top flight. With three games left in the season, the Rothosen are in second place in the table – 53 points, three points clear of the relegation play-off spot and four points clear of the unpopular fourth place. Before a major comeback can succeed, however, another challenge awaits: SV Darmstadt 98 at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. We take a close look at the Lilies‘ upcoming opponent for you!

Merlin Polzin could actually still be standing in the fan section today – the 34-year-old, who is now the youngest head coach in the 2. Bundesliga, is so down-to-earth and approachable on the sidelines of Hamburger SV. Boastful appearances? None. Polzin comes from the Hamburg district of Bramfeld; he hasn’t forgotten his roots – and getting carried away wouldn’t suit him anyway.

He once wanted to be a teacher and studied to become a teacher. But life told a different story: Due to osteoarthritis, Polzin had to end his amateur playing career early. But his love of football remained – and ultimately led him, via a detour, to where he is today: as head coach of his favorite club. In December 2024, Polzin took over the reins of the Hanseatic League – and shapes the team with his style of play. Playing boldly, offensively, and without fear – that’s his philosophy, which has a lot to do with his own attitude to life. “Life is too short and too beautiful not to approach it this way,” says Polzin – and demands exactly this attitude on the pitch as well.

His success proves him right: Under Polzin, HSV is currently second in the 2. Bundesliga and – as far as promotion is concerned – has everything in its own hands. But Polzin is never just concerned with quick success or the glamour of a position: personal development, team chemistry, and genuine conviction are paramount for him. The right connection with the coaching staff, the team, and the fans – that’s what he relies on.

The idea that a young, local player could lead HSV back to the top flight after seven years in the second division is almost beyond compare in football romanticism. And Polzin firmly believes in it: „The big goal is paramount. We’re moving in the same direction together – there’s no left or right,“ he says.

In keeping with coach Merlin Polzin’s bold style of play, Hamburger SV’s greatest strength is clearly its attack. The Red Shorts have scored 66 goals so far – more than any other second-division team. A standout among them is top striker Davie Selke, who leads the 2. Bundesliga’s goalscoring charts with 20 goals this season – three goals ahead of his closest rival, Ragnar Ache of 1. FC Kaiserslautern. But the Hanseatics aren’t just strong in front of goal: HSV also sets standards in terms of ball security: With a pass completion rate of 86.9 percent, they have the best mark in the entire 2. Bundesliga – closely followed by Fortuna Düsseldorf (86 percent).

„Everybody’s darling“? That probably doesn’t apply to him. Davie Selke has often faced headwinds in his career – and has had to endure a lot of criticism and hate, especially on social media. The 30-year-old is open about it: He used to show his penchant for expensive cars and fine watches on social media and stands by what drove him as a young adult. „I always thought that money or material things were fulfillment. But once you’ve worked hard for a bit and can afford things, you quickly realize that that’s not fulfilling,“ he once explained in an interview with „Fußball mit Vision“.

Today, his focus is different. Faith plays a central role in Selke’s life. „I still own these things, but they no longer own me. I used to define myself through material values; today, I define myself through Jesus,“ he says. His life story is marked by rise and change: Growing up in financially difficult circumstances, football opened the door to a better life for him.

During his youth career at TSG Hoffenheim, Selke realized that he could achieve his dream of becoming a professional footballer, and since then, he has subordinated everything to football. He finally made his breakthrough to the professional ranks at Werder Bremen and shortly thereafter moved to Leipzig, where Selke scored 14 goals in 53 games. After playing for Hertha BSC, a brief return to Bremen, and a stint at 1. FC Köln, Selke eventually landed at Hamburger SV. He seems to be feeling perfectly at home there: With 20 goals this season, Davie Selke is the Red Shorts‘ top scorer – and has played a significant role in enabling the club to dream of promotion. On the pitch, he delivers – off it, the striker has reinvented himself over the years and appears very composed and balanced.