Football Season Guide

Hamburger SV endured a disappointing campaign last time around with inconsistent performances depriving them of a place in Europe this season. Coach Thorsten Fink confirmed that European qualification will be the minimum expected of his side this season and expressed confidence that he can finally lead Hamburg to Europe on his third attempt. Hamburg had the seventh worst defensive record in the league last season and Fink has tried to address the problem by bringing in two new central defenders with Lasse Sobiech completing his move from Borussia Dortmund while Johan Djourou was signed on a season long loan from Arsenal. Jonathan Tah has been promoted from the youth squad while Paul Scharner has returned back to the club after spending the second half of the season on loan at Wigan Athletic. Hamburg also struggled in the attack, managing to score just 42 goals last season and their strike force has been further weakened following the departure of Heung Min Son to Bayer Leverkusen while Marcus Berg has also left after being released by the club. Fink has so far managed to sign just one striker with Jacques Zoua completing his move from FC Basel, which means that the Hamburg coach has just two recognized strikers available. Fink is also likely to give chance for Hakan Calhanoglu to impress with the midfielder returning back to the club following an impressive loan spell with Karlsruher SC where he scored 17 goals from the midfield.