Hamburg SV finally notched their first win of the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, beating Heidenheim 2-1 on Sunday. But for sports board member Stefan Kuntz, it’s not time to celebrate too much just yet.
“It’s a huge relief for the whole team and fans, and we’re channeling that positive energy,” Kuntz said after the match. “But honestly, nothing has changed that much for the club. We’re still climbing from the bottom with a completely revamped squad, fighting to stay in the Bundesliga.”
The 62-year-old former German international knows HSV’s challenges all too well. The club spent seven years in the second division after relegating in 2018—their first drop ever. HSV boasts a storied past with six national titles, the last in 1983, plus a European Cup win that same year. “Those glories are history now, even as our fans keep the passion alive,” Kuntz noted.
Despite the rough patch, HSV remains a fan favorite. As a founding member of the Bundesliga in 1963, the club packs stadiums and draws support across Germany. Kuntz likened their comeback to “walking a tightrope,” calling HSV an underdog in the league. He stressed the need for “a new humility” to move past the glory days and tackle current hurdles.
This win highlights HSV’s major squad overhaul, with 11 fresh faces joining the roster. Standouts include Fabio Vieira on loan from Arsenal and 18-year-old Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham Hotspur. Vuskovic broke a seven-year drought by scoring HSV’s first Bundesliga goal since May 2018, netting in the 42nd minute despite nursing what he believes is a hand injury with two broken fingers. “I punched the post in frustration after missing a chance earlier,” he admitted.
French striker Rayan Philippe sealed the victory with the second goal, before Heidenheim grabbed a late consolation. The result ends a turbulent era for HSV, plagued by internal conflicts, unmet goals, and a whopping 24 coaches since 2007. This season, former assistant Merlin Polzin, 34, took the reins.
Polzin called the win “a real restart.” He praised his players’ honest self-assessment: “We know where we stand. This victory boosts our confidence, and it’s key for survival. It proves we’re competitive.” He urged fans to stay patient as the new-look team gels.
For context, Heidenheim’s success stands in stark contrast. They’ve risen from the fourth tier to the Bundesliga under one steady coach, Frank Schmidt, since 2007.
Vuskovic’s grit shone through, powering HSV to this vital three points and sparking hope for a stronger Bundesliga campaign ahead.
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