Football Season Guide

Hamburger SV needed a win in their final match of the campaign last season to maintain their record of never being relegated from the top flight of German football. It has been a poor few seasons for Hamburg who have just about managed to keep their heads above the water, barring a comfortable 10th placed finish in 2015-16 season. Hamburg were poor all over the pitch last season and ended the campaign with the second worst attack despite a sizeable investment in the final third. They also had the third worst defence. The campaign saw yet another change in the coach midway through the season and, while Markus Gisdol also looked to be heading towards the exit after struggling to pull his side clear of the relegation zone, an upturn in form in the final weeks ensured that 47-year old held on to his job. Gisdol has a huge task on hand if he is to turn around Hamburg's fortunes though and the club have embarked on a mini-clearout in the transfer window. First team regulars Rene Adler, Michael Gregoritsch, Johan Djourou and Matthias Ostrzolek have all left the club while Ashton Gotz has been released after failing to challenge for a place in the first team last season. Kyriakos Papadopoulos' loan move was turned permanent and the Greek is expected to partner Mergim Mavraj as the first choice central defensive pairing for the upcoming season. Hamburg have also signed Rick van Drongelen but, at 18-years old, the Dutchman is seen as one for the future and will provide cover along with fellow new arrival Bjarne Thoelke. Julian Pollersbeck is expected to challenge Christian Mathenia for the place in between the sticks while Andre Hahn could prove to be one of their key signings should the attacker display more bite in the final third. The midfield though will wear a familiar look and more is needed out of Lewis Holtby, Aaron Hunt, Nicolai Muller and Filip Kostic in terms of service if Hamburg are to stay well clear of the relegation zone.