Countdown part 22: HSV Hamburg

After automatically qualifying for the VELUX EHF Champions League in the five previous seasons, HSV struggled to reach the Group Phase this time when, after ranking fourth in the German league, they had to compete in the wild card tournament.

After a tough semi-final victory against Wisla Plock (POL) the Germans were nearly eliminated in the final of the wild card tournament against hosts Saint Raphael (FRA), who were four goals ahead with six minutes left to play. But HSV equalised right before the whistle, and in extra-time they beat the third-ranked team from France to qualify for the Group Phase again.

Now they are not only preparing to face top opponents such as Montpellier, but also face German neighbours SG Flensburg-Handewitt in what promise to be mouthwatering matches between two sides who drew in their first league encounter of the season.

This season Hamburg will be going back to the future, with Martin Schwalb officially returning as coach after a spell as president and club director.

The team lost two of their most important players in Bertrand and Guillaume Gille, who returned to their former club Chambery after 10 years. And Hamburg are suffering from three long-term injuries to key players in Johannes Bitter, Oscar Carlén and Torsten Jansen. But their incoming transfer moves have mostly closed those gaps on the left wing, goalkeeper and at right back position.

When celebrating the 10th anniversary of the club, it was not only the coaches position that changed but Matthias Rudolph became new president. But despite some changes the objectives remain the same for the 2011 German champions and three times VELUX EHF Champions League semi-finalist: achieve the best possible results in all competitions.

Manager Christoph Wendt is looking forward to the Group Phase of the VELUX EHF Champions League: "We have been drawn in a very strong group with many familiar faces. It is our aspiration to reach the Last 16 and finish as high up our group as possible so that we have a good chance in the rest of the tournament."

And team captain Pascal Hens is confident that his team will be able to stand the pressure: "Our group is a very challenging one. Montpellier and Flensburg will be especially difficult to beat, but I am optimistic that we can reach the next round. We have proved that we can show character and fight until the last second of every game. We will do our best to achieve our goals and make our fans happy."

Three questions to coach Martin Schwalb:
ehfCL.com: What are your expectations for the coming season of the VELUX EHF Champions League?
Martin Schwalb: Looking at our group I am sure our fans will be very excited about the quality of the opponents. The group consists of very good European teams, but I am confident that we will go through to the next round. It is our aim to get as far as possible, and it would be fantastic if we could reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne.

ehfCL.com: What does the participation in the VELUX EHF Champions League mean to you and your club?
Martin Schwalb: Our participation in the Champions League is very important for the club. It is always an honour to be able to compete with the best teams in the world and it is very important for the development of our young players. It is essential for them to play against strong opponents so that they can improve their abilities.

ehfCL.com: What teams are your personal favourites to reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4 and for winning the title this season – and why?
Martin Schwalb: I expect Barcelona, Kiel, Montpellier, and Madrid to be the teams to reach the VELUX EHF FINAL4. They are the teams with the highest quality within their roster.

HSV Hamburg (GER)

Qualification for the 2012/2013 VELUX EHF Champions League season: winner of the wildcard tournament, fourth ranked in Germany
Newcomers: Andreas Nilsson (IFK Skövde), Fredrik Petersen (AG Kopenhagen), Stefan Terzic (RK Borac Banja Luka), Max-Henri Hermann (DHC
Rheinland), Enid Tahirovic (Frisch Auf Göppingen)
Left the club: Guillaume Gille and Bertrand Gille (both Chambery Savoie HB), Renato Vugrinec (RK Maribor Branik), Zoran Djordjic (Retired)
Coach: Martin Schwalb since 2005 (excluding the time between June 2011 and December 2011, when Per Carlén was coach)

VELUX EHF Champions League records:
Participations (including 2012/2013 season): 6
Semi Final (3): 2007/2008, 2008/2009, 2010/2011
Quarterfinal (1): 2009/2010
Last 16 (1): 2011/2012

Other EC records:

Cup Winners Cup:
Winner 2006/2007

German champion: 2011
German Cup winner: 2006, 2010
German Super-Cup winner: 2004, 2006, 2009, 2010

Further information

Find more information about HSV Hamburg HERE
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