Hamburger SV is urgently looking for a new head coach. When choosing, the club cannot be guided by big names.
Steffen Baumgart is out, HSV is getting a new coach. What would have been supplemented with “again” a few years ago was no longer so typical for HSV recently. Before Baumgart was hired, Tim Walter was in office on the Elbe for two and a half years before parting ways in the spring of this year.
After just nine months, Hamburg is now looking for a new coach again because it didn’t work out with Baumgart – despite his love for the club. The coach’s ideas and the profile of the squad were too different. The team was put together over several transfer periods according to the wishes and needs of his predecessor Tim Walter.
The ex-coach had focused the team’s football on dominance, passing strength and risk; Baumgart relied on intense, straight-line, fast-paced football with lots of cross runs. But it didn’t work that easily. Baumgart made a change and let HSV play a little more cautiously. But that didn’t work either. The end followed.
Sports director Stefan Kuntz and sports director Claus Costa should be aware of this. Despite its high individual quality, every style of play cannot simply be imposed on the squad. There needs to be a coach again who takes a more dominant and technical approach than was the case recently. A big name is not automatically the solution. The two Bundesliga newcomers St. Pauli and Holstein Kiel with Fabian Hürzeler and Marcel Rapp have proven this.
Niko Kovač, for example, is without question a successful coach, having won the DFB Cup with Eintracht Frankfurt and the double with FC Bayern. But despite these titles and his HSV past, he would not fit into the HSV squad with his physically demanding and aggressive transitional football.
HSV boss Stefan Kuntz is under special observation; he has to make the right decision. Because advancement is the clear goal. Baumgart was his predecessor’s choice. It is understandable that Kuntz did not want to fire him right at the start of his term in office in the summer.
But the new coach is mainly “his” coach, the shot has to be right. Otherwise Kuntz’s tenure in Hamburg will also suffer a major blow.
How can Hamburger SV avoid repeating past mistakes in their coaching search?
Interview: Time.news Editor with Football Expert Max Fischer on Hamburger SV’s Coaching Search
Editor: Welcome, Max! It’s great to have you here to discuss Hamburger SV’s latest coaching changes. As we know, they’re urgently searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Steffen Baumgart. What’s your take on this situation?
Max Fischer: Thanks for having me! It’s definitely an intriguing time for HSV. This urgency reflects the club’s desire to stabilize and find a coach who aligns more closely with their squad dynamics and long-term vision.
Editor: Indeed, it seems they can’t just rely on big names anymore. What do you think led to this shift in philosophy?
Max Fischer: The club has had a tumultuous few years and, while big profiles often attract attention, HSV needs to focus on finding someone who fits their style and strategy. They’ve seen the consequences of mismatched management before—just look at how Baumgart’s approach differed from what the squad was built for under Tim Walter.
Editor: That’s an excellent point. The article mentions that Baumgart’s style—intense and fast-paced—didn’t mesh well with a team structured for a more dominant and possession-based play. What challenges does a new coach face in terms of adapting to these existing players?
Max Fischer: Great question! Any new head coach must assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current squad. The players have been molded to fit Walter’s philosophy, which emphasized ball control and risk management. A coach like Baumgart, who is more direct and aggressive, might find it challenging to integrate his tactics without losing the essence of the team’s capabilities.
Editor: So, essentially, it’s a balancing act between innovation and adaptation. What qualities should HSV be looking for in their next coach?
Max Fischer: Exactly! HSV needs someone who can not only implement a new strategy but also be adaptable. They should seek a coach with a strong understanding of player development as well as someone who can bring fresh ideas without completely overhauling the existing system too quickly.
Editor: That makes sense. Given the recent history, what could HSV do differently this time around to ensure they don’t find themselves searching for another coach in just a few months?
Max Fischer: Communication is vital. Engaging with the players about their needs and understanding what fits the culture of the club is crucial. Furthermore, the new head coach should be involved in the recruitment process to ensure that any new signings align with his vision, which might help in creating a more cohesive team philosophy.
Editor: Those are some solid suggestions. looking ahead, what’s your prediction on how this search may unfold and what impact it could have on the team’s season?
Max Fischer: If HSV plays their cards right, they could land a coach who not only understands their unique challenges but also has a proven track record of revitalizing teams in similar situations. This could provide a much-needed morale boost and improve their chances of achieving better results this season.
Editor: Thanks for sharing your insights, Max! It’ll be interesting to see how this coaching search unfolds and if HSV can return to consistency on the pitch.
Max Fischer: Absolutely! I’m looking forward to following their progress. Thanks for having me!