Monday mourning

By: Chris | April 7th, 2008

Turns out I am a realist. HSV dropped to third in the Bundesliga after Saturday’s away defeat to current title-holders Stuttgart, 1-0. The story of the match was Hamburg’s failure to capitalize on opportunities, particularly in the 2nd half when the practically camped out in the Stuttgart end. But in the end, they failed to score and now are third in the table on 47 points, 8 points adrift of first place Bayern and 1 back of Schalke.

News:

*Great article here about how Hamburg are giving away goals on set pieces. Bottom line: Defending set pieces is something that can be practiced and perfected, if the players want to improve.

*Juan Pablo Sorin made a triumphant return to the pitch following an extended absence. Sorin has been out all season with an infection in the knee he had surgically repaired over the summer. He came on at 86′ as a replacement for Timothee Atouba.

*Great write-up about the manager search. Louis van Gaal, who recently announced his intention to leave Eredivisie-side AZ Alkmaar at the end of the season, is the latest hot name to be mentioned. Usual suspect Jurgen Klopp of 2. Bundesliga-side Mainz is also kicked around, along with a new name: Schalke manager Mirko Slomka. This story kind of ran out of gas when Slaven Bilic said thanks, but no thanks, and now has some legs again. The fact that the search has been drawn out now 4 months is pissing a lot of people off–from directors of other clubs, like Mainz (who may or may not lose their manager depending on the whims of HSV) to members of the media (who, according to a quote from Berndt Hoffman [chairman of HSV], are making waaaaay too big a deal about this; does that include me? I am pissed this is taking so long. I’m a quasi-member of the media. Does that count for anything?). To quote an oft used phrase in the USA, Get’er Done!

*Mohammed Zidan did not start as expected on Saturday–the start at striker went to Paolo Guerrero–and Vincent Kompany moved up to midfield to take David Jarolim’s (out-suspended) spot. Interesting formation that we may see more of next season, when there is a more conspicuous absence from the lineup.