HSV fails to secure promotion for the 6th occasion. - Ridiculous to struggle for such a limited opportunity.
The Hamburg professionals faced their loyal fans, who sang "I love my Hamburg very much" after their 0:1 loss in Paderborn. Their hopes of snatching a place in the top division were dashed for the sixth time.
Despite their emotional 1:0 victory over FC St. Pauli, catching up with Dusseldorf (four-points ahead) in the last stretch of the second division was almost impossible. Nevertheless, the players were determined to give their best.
The team's performance left much to be desired, especially in the first half. Paderborn capitalized on Hamburg's mistakes, taking a 0:1 lead by the 7th minute (Kostons).
Defender Miro Muheim (26) felt it was not due to their strategy, "'We didn't make simple plays, didn't pass to one another. When you play like that, this is what happens."
Goalkeeper Matheo Raab (25) expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome, "The feelings of disappointment are immense. We wanted to keep pressing Dusseldorf, but we couldn't."
Reflecting on their sixth failure to promote: "There were a few games where we gave up points which ultimately made the difference."
Paderborn fans applauded their former coach Steffen Baumgart (52), who had headed the team for over four years, leading them from the 3rd division to the Bundesliga.
He was now responsible for explaining his former team's poor performance at his previous workplace: "We were off the mark, particularly in front of goal. We're very disappointed that we didn't showcase good soccer today."
Baumgart, with a contract until 2025, mentioned the upcoming round and expressed his eagerness to return, "I'm excited to come to work here every day. This is a childhood ambition. We need to learn from this season. It hasn't always been smooth sailing, and before that as well."
Reflecting on the bigger goal: "One game day before the end, we missed our chance for promotion."
Baumgart is set to plan for the upcoming season. It remains to be seen if he or Sports Director Jonas Boldt (42, contract until 2025) will be entrusted with this task.
Baumgart conveyed optimism, "'I believe we'll come out of this situation stronger. "
The coach also expressed his satisfaction with the team's improvement during his tenure, "I've noticed a big change in the team's intensity. We've been running more as well."
Admitting the setback: "But naturally, this is the wrong time for such a performance."
Ultimately, the supervisory board led by Chairman Michael Papenfuß (69) will have to make a decision regarding the season's governance.
Baumgart showcased his thrill about the upcoming plan, "We can start our planning much earlier this time. It's likely to help us."
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Source: symclub.org
