Hamburg Coach Sees Progress Despite Another 5-0 Loss

Despite another 5-0 defeat in the Bundesliga, this time against RB Leipzig, Hamburger SV head coach Merlin Polzin believes his team showed signs of progress compared to their previous heavy loss to Mainz.

The scoreline offered little comfort, with HSV still without points after three league games and having conceded 12 goals without reply. Leipzig secured their victory with three goals in five minutes during the second half, turning a potentially close match into another rout.

Polzin, however, focused on the team's efforts. "There are two ways to look at it," he stated. "You can see the final score and say it was just as bad as last week. Or, you can see a team that tried to do significantly better from the start."

HSV, hampered by defensive issues, started aggressively and disrupted Leipzig's play early on. They also showed renewed intent after halftime, creating several chances to narrow the 2-0 deficit. Zakaria El Ouahdi posed a threat from the right, and Patson Daka missed what was arguably the visitors' best opportunity. However, Hamburg couldn't capitalize on their strongest period, and Leipzig punished them.

"It's humbling," said HSV sporting director Claus Costa. "We expected things to go differently. We had some momentum after halftime and a couple of chances to score. When that doesn't happen, conceding three goals in five minutes is the result."

Polzin viewed Hamburg's attempts to take control as a positive step. "We tried to be aggressive and win duels," he explained. "I liked how the players came out in the second half, trying to score. We had opportunities to get more from those moments. This is what will help our process."

Speaking to DAZN, Polzin acknowledged that highlighting positives after two straight 5-0 losses might sound unconvincing, but insisted the performance was different. "I told the lads we needed to show a different face," he said. "I saw it. That sounds like complete nonsense after another 0-5 that hurts immensely. What's certain is that we stick together, no matter what. That's crucial now."

When questioned about statistics, Polzin noted, "I know it sounds like nonsense, but the difference in shots on goal wasn't that large at certain points. We need to take that with us as we figure out how to solve these problems."

Polzin dismissed the idea that significant summer player changes were an excuse for the poor start. "It's too easy to use that as an excuse," he stated. "We want to see an HSV that can stay in the Bundesliga."

Costa agreed, acknowledging that the issues were both individual and collective. "There are individual mistakes and also a collective problem," he told DAZN. "I'm not for knee-jerk reactions. We need to work together to find a solution. There are always keys to solutions, even in a crisis."

Both officials emphasized unity as Hamburg prepares to host Cologne. Despite the heavy defeat, traveling fans continued to support the team. "HSV is special," Costa commented on the support. "We grew together in the 2. Bundesliga. We can count on our fans. This energy is very important. We'll need our supporters next week."

Polzin stressed collective responsibility. "You only get through such phases when everyone sticks together and doesn't blame others," he concluded. "Everyone needs to take responsibility. The team's reaction shows this. That's what we'll carry forward. The defeat still hurts."