Polzin demands “maximum performance” as HSV take on Regionalliga cup opponents

Here’s what HSV gaffer Merlin Polzin had to say ahead of their DfB-Pokal opener.

Speaking at Hamburger SV’s press conference for their DfB-Pokal opener against FK Pirmasens, Merlin Polzin offered a brief personnel update. 

“Jean-Luc Dompe, Yussuf Poulsen, Bakery Jatta, and Manu Pherai are unavailable this weekend. Everyone else is fit and a candidate for the squad,” he said.

Polzin went on to discuss the Hanseatic club’s pre-season, their fourth-tier cup opponents and their ambitions for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.

“We deliberately wanted to change our playing system. The preseason was designed to prepare the boys for what awaits us from the weekend onward.

“It was an instructive preseason – the players were challenged and took it very well. No one needs to worry about us: The boys are ready, motivated, and full of confidence.

“True to the motto ‘The winner stays!’, the cup never ceases to fascinate. A duel with a lower-league opponent is a particular challenge. We must deliver our maximum performance.

“The anticipation for the season opener is huge. After an instructive preparation, our goal is to leave the pitch as winners and advance to the next round of the DFB Cup,” he added.