Germany's Hamburger SV to be relegated for first time
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The last seven seasons for Hamburger SV have been challenging. The historic German club, winners of six Bundesliga titles, has fallen on hard times. HSV have flirted with dropping out of the top-flight, and the club even contested the Bundesliga's relegation playoff match in back-to-back seasons (2013-14, 2014-15).
The last two years haven't been void of relegation worries, but at least the club could rest more easily with mid-table finishes. However, it looks ever more increasingly like the dinosaur of German football will be relegated for the first time ever this term.
HSV are in the midst of an 11-game winless streak. The club is seven points from 16th place, which would take them out of the automatic relegation places. Finishing 16th would allow the team to fight for survival in the relegation playoffs against the third-place finisher in the 2. Bundesliga. It is the best HSV can hope for; but based on form, it is difficult to see the team gaining ground on Mainz. HSV do have 24 points left to play for this term. But getting those points will be difficult on the pitch.
Following HSV's most recent loss, a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich, the club sacked manager Bernd Hollerbach. The manager replaced Markus Gisdol in January, however, Hollerbach's failure to win a single match led to his firing. Now, HSV have turned to Christian Titz to lead the side forward. The new coach makes the step up from the club's HSV II side, and the pressure to succeed will be incredibly heavy.
HSV's biggest problem in 2017-18 has been goal scoring. The team has scored a Bundesliga low 18 goals. The team's –23 goal differential is only eclipsed by Cologne's –24. Since the team's 11-game winless streak began, HSV have been held without a goal in eight fixtures. Forward Filip Kostic leads the team in goals this term with four. Andre Hahn has tallied three of his own, while nine different players have scored at least once.
The good news for Titz and HSV is the team's remaining schedule could see them gain enough points to finish in 16th place. HSV play four sides in 10th place or lower in their final eight matches. Games against Hertha, Stuttgart, Freiburg and Wolfsburg will be six-point affairs for HSV. Yet, the team's remaining four fixtures – especially their final two – could dictate whether they are relegated or not.
HSV's final two matches will be played against Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Monchengladbach, respectively. Frankfurt are fighting for a top four finish. Die Adler are looking for their first Champions League qualification in some time and the team's defence has lead it to the top half of the table. Meanwhile, 'Gladbach still have a chance of making the Europa League. Playing on the last day of the season could be a blessing in disguise for HSV. If 'Gladbach have nothing to play for, the team may not put out too much of an effort.
HSV will most likely be relegated this term. It has been a long time coming, but the dinosaur of German football will finally die after years of being on life support.
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