HSV relieve head coach Tim Walter of his duties

HSV have reacted to the team's inconsistent performances in the second half of the season by relieving head coach Tim Walter and his assistants Julian Hübner and Filip Tapalovic of their duties with immediate effect. Merlin Polzin will take charge of training and the upcoming away game on Saturday (17.02.2024) on an interim basis. He will be assisted by Loic Fave, who joined the club as head of academy sport during the winter break, as well as goalkeeping coach Sven Höh. 

"Following the disappointing defeat at home against Hannover 96, we analysed the situation and arrived at the conclusion that we needed to make a change in order to not put our aims for this season in danger," said HSV head of sport Jonas Boldt. "The inconsistencies in our recent performances were too great and we did not feel confident that we would be able to restore the stability and balance needed over the coming weeks with our current coaching set-up." 

Boldt also took the time to highlight the work that Tim Walter and his coaching staff have put in over the last years, saying "Tim and his team fully identified themselves with HSV and the tasks set for them, having a large impact on the path we're on. Tim's energy and commitment saw him take on more responsibilities than your average head coach. We would like to thank him, Jule and Tapa for their efforts. They will always be welcome visitors at the Volkspark." 

The decision was shared with the coaching staff during a meeting with Boldt. Tim Walter was saddened by the decision, but took the news with composure, saying "I would have liked to have been able to continue to help us work to achieve our goals this season. I would like to say thank you to HSV, the club's management and our exceptional fans for the way we have been able to work together over the last two and a half years. I wish the team and the club nothing but success for the remainder of the season."