Polzin reacts to “demanding game” as HSV secure first away victory

Goals from Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer and Rayan Philippe, complimented by a man of the match performance by goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes sealed Hamburger SV’s first Bundesliga away victory of the season - a result that brought clear relief and satisfaction across the club.

Head coach Merlin Polzin welcomed the win, while admitting his side still had room for improvement:

“We didn’t start the game well and invited early pressure and chances from the opposition. But, over the course of the first half, our structure improved, and we created a couple of opportunities. Fortunately, the timing of the opener was ideal.”

Polzin went on to reflect on a challenging second-half display:

“At half-time, we said to the team that we couldn’t settle for 1-0, as we knew that we’d come up against a formidable opponent in the second half. I wasn’t happy that we didn’t really manage to do that in the first 20 minutes after the break. We have “Ferro” (Daniel Heuer Fernandes) to thank – he kept us in the game. The second goal helped us to wrest control of the game back. We’re happy that we came away with a win in such a demanding game and finally got our first away win of the season in the process.”

Miro Muheim also gave his thoughts on a hard-fought contest, marking his 150th appearance for HSV:

“It was a real battle today, especially in the second half, and we managed to hold our own. We’re happy since we’ve played Heidenheim three times this season and won all three times. They posed a threat on a few occasions from set pieces, but “Ferro” was in the right place at the right time. The saves he made were incredible. This was a special match for me, because it was my 150th game for HSV.”

Man of the moment Daniel Heuer Fernandes was equally pleased after a standout performance between the posts:

“It was an intense game, but a lot of it went as we expected it to. We controlled the match in the first half, and taking the lead shortly before the break was a great feeling, while the second goal was more like insurance. We also dealt with the opposition’s period of pressure and defended well. I’m really happy that I had the chance to help the team out with my saves. It was a good performance today, and I’m very happy.”

The victory ends HSV’s seven-game winless run, halting their mid-season slide. Polzin’s side move up to 11th place with a game in hand on the teams above them and will host Union Berlin at the Volksparkstadion next weekend.