Hamburg Star Robert Glatzel on Quick Return from Suspension & Coach's Trust

Following his impactful performance in Hamburg's 1-1 Bundesliga draw against Augsburg on Saturday afternoon, Hamburger SV striker Robert Glatzel expressed gratitude to head coach Merlin Polzin for his swift reinstatement. Glatzel had previously been excluded from the squad in the league fixture against Borussia Dortmund after publicly voicing dissatisfaction with his role at the club in an interview.

Why was Robert Glatzel benched?

Despite being a prolific scorer in the 2. Bundesliga, Glatzel struggled for consistent playing time in the top flight. An unfortunate, ill-timed injury after scoring his first Bundesliga goal in well over four years back in November prevented him from cementing a starting role under Polzin. The former Cardiff City player had hoped to transfer out in January, but a deal to facilitate his departure could not be realized.

Glatzel's dissatisfaction escalated when he aired his grievances to the local press, citing not only the failed transfer but also a perceived demotion to fifth place in the striker pecking order due to the early recall of 18-year-old striker Otto Stange from a 2. Bundesliga loan stint with Elversberg. Coach Polzin publicly rebuked Glatzel for the interview at a pre-match press conference and subsequently decided to suspend him for one game.

"It's completely legitimate for players with limited playing time to be dissatisfied and to voice that," Polzin stated at the time. "The issue is the process. Bobby deliberately chose to handle it this way. And those are things that aren't in line with our club rules."

"I told him that, in my view, it is not the right way to speak out without prior consultation," Polzin continued. "I had an open and clarifying conversation with Bobby, and it's not as if he's now being [permanently] banished because of this."

What led to Glatzel's rapid return?

Glatzel's quick return to the lineup was facilitated by a tactical reshuffle. Midfielder Nicolai Remberg's suspension for accumulated yellow cards prompted Fabio Vieira to drop back to pair with Albert Sambi Lokonga in midfield. Glatzel took Remberg’s spot in the squad while fellow 2. Bundesliga standout Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer also featured in Polzin’s 3-4-3 formation. Glatzel ultimately assisted Königsdörffer’s critical 1-1 equalizer in the 60th minute.

Both attackers undoubtedly hoped for more than a 1-1 draw. Miro Muheim’s 64th-minute red card also meant that Glatzel and Königsdörffer had to be substituted off in the 67th minute as Polzin adjusted to playing shorthanded. Nevertheless, the attacking duo, and Polzin himself, can be pleased about their successful collaboration moving forward.

Glatzel and Polzin look ahead

"I think we showed a lot as a team today and Bobby [Glatzel] was a very important part of it," Polzin answered in response to a direct question about Glatzel. "I’ve always emphasized his skill set. He’s very secure on the ball, can distribute well, and also create danger in the box. He did a great job setting up that goal."

"He helps us out," Polzin continued. "And will continue to play a role as we strive to reach our goals as a team. He’s an important component. He was totally present today and it was a good performance from him. It was a good reaction from him after our conversations and we’ll carry that forward."

"I’m glad I have a coach who doesn’t hold a grudge," Glatzel himself said in the mixed zone. "I certainly didn’t expect to be starting again so soon."