Overview

• After five preseason defeats (2:14) and a 2:1 extra‑time escape at fifth‑tier Pirmasens, readiness is under scrutiny.
• Sporting director Stefan Kuntz says the roster still needs work, with a right‑sided centre‑back and a creative midfielder on the shopping list.
• Coach Merlin Polzin confirmed Heuer Fernandes as starter over loanee Daniel Peretz and emphasized tighter defending without abandoning attacking play.
• New arrivals are still bedding in; captain Yussuf Poulsen is not fully fit but could feature off the bench, and Jean‑Luc Dompé may get limited minutes.
• The club premiered the ZDF series “Always Hamburg” to rekindle promotion momentum as HSV visits Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday.