Yussuf Poulsen opens up on injury problems, losing the HSV captaincy, his future and Denmark ambitions

Things have gone far from according to plan for Yussuf Poulsen since his move from RB Leipzig to Hamburger SV in the summer of 2025.

After being named HSV captain during pre-season, Poulsen went on to start just one Bundesliga game in an injury-riddled campaign for the Danish veteran.

Now, having made a positive start to the season with one goal in four appearances, Poulsen is hoping to avoid further injury setbacks.

“I’m in much better physical shape. I think I’ve already done more training sessions this season than I did throughout the entire previous season. That’s a good thing – my body needs that consistency, and when it gets it, everything works,” Poulsen said in an interview with Sport Bild, adding that he has learned an important lesson from last season.

“I need to become a little more patient. Perhaps there were one or two occasions when I returned to training too soon after an injury. I always give 100 per cent in training. That’s a good quality, but it can also become a bad one. That’s why it’s important for the coaching and support staff to manage my workload."
 

“I didn't expect to become captain”

Following Poulsen’s injury-hit first season at HSV, head coach Merlin Polzin decided to hand the captaincy to Nicolai Remberg instead – a decision the Danish forward insists he has no problem with.

“When I was signed by HSV, I didn’t expect to become captain. When Merlin told me about his plans, I told him that he should perhaps choose a player who had been part of the promotion team in the 2024/25 season and played a major role in our success. Nevertheless, the coach chose me, and I didn’t say no – I was very happy to take on the role. The fact that the coach has now changed is, in my view, the right decision,” Poulsen said.

“It’s right to choose a younger player who has the potential to become a very good captain at HSV for many years to come. ‘Rambo’ [Nicolai Remberg] is doing a very good job, but of course he can still learn and develop in his leadership role. I’ll help him wherever I can. And it’s not important to me whether I wear the armband or not. I don’t need it to be a leader and pass on my experience to the team.”
 

Hopeful of HSV stay and Denmark recall

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Poulsen says he would be happy to remain at HSV if offered the chance.

“If the opportunity arises, I wouldn’t say no. HSV is a great club. For me, there was actually no other Bundesliga club I would have considered if I ever left Leipzig. But when the call came from Hamburg, I immediately said: HSV, that’s what I want to do,” he said.

Now back to full fitness, Poulsen also hopes to earn a recall to the Danish national team, whom he hasn't represented since November 2024. The forward is aware that he remains on coach Brian Riemer’s radar.

“We players always receive information when we are included in the extended squad for an international match. That group consists of 40 to 50 players. I’m still in it whenever I’m fit, so I’m clearly still in the national team coach’s thoughts. I’m ready if he calls me. I love playing for the national team,” Poulsen said.