Football Season Guide

Turbulent last season saw Hamburger expectedly failing to gain promotion back to the top flight as financial issues, organisation unrest and the large amount of very young players in the squad had negative impacts. Determined to get back where they firmly believe they belong Hamburger appointed vastly experienced Dieter Hecking in charge this summer. He is currently rebuilding the squad after important players like Douglas, Mangala, Holtby, Hwang and Lassoga left. In search of more experience in the group, Hecking focused on signing primary players 24 and older, with this making Hamburger’s squad look much better prepared for the challenges of fighting for promotion. Hinterseer was brought into the team to score goals, but if Wood decides to stay after an unsuccessful year out on loan he will be the main centre forward. Young Jatta had breakthrough spring in the first team and his ability to play down both wings is expected to see him used even more under Hecking. Hamburger’s best centre-back Papadopolous missed pretty much the entire last campaign injured, but he is fit now and together with the signings of 2 decent new defenders and the positive development made by Van Drongelen the stability at the back is expected to be much better. The heart of the midfield also looks solid with the arrivals of Kinsombi, Fein and the calming presence of captain Hunt. If the health of the main stars is better than last season and Hecking’s expected 4-2-3-1 formation brings the foreseen-by-many-pundits right balance between defence and attack Hamburger will definitely be amongst the main players in Bundesliga 2 in 2019/20.