Relegation threatened HSV fire Bert van Marwijk

Bert van Marwijk in his time at Hamburger SV

Bert van Marwijk was last night sacked by Hamburger SV following his teams 4-2 defeat away at Eintracht Braunschweig.

The 61-year-old was relieved of his managerial duties after just 143 days at the Bundesliga club who are the only ever-present team since the leagues formation in 1963. van Marwijk took over the reigns from Thorsten Fink who was dismissed after match day 5.

Hamburg’s Sporting Director Oliver Kreuzer told the clubs website: “We were forced to make this regretful decision and we thank Bert van Marwijk for his work.”

HSV now find themselves in 17th place in the Bundesliga, just one point ahead of Eintracht Braunschweig who take up the other automatic relegation place in 18th.  HSV boast the worst defence in the Bundesliga, conceding 51 goals in just 21 matches.

van Marwijk was an experienced manager in the game taking his Dutch team to the World Cup 2010 final to finish runners-up to Spain following a 1-0 defeat late on.

Assistant manager Roel Coumans has also left the club.

He resigned from Oranje following poor performances at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. van Marwijk has also managed Dutch clubs Fortuna Sittard and Feyenoord, whilst also having a stint at Borussia Dortmund.

What next for HSV?

Mirko Slomka is the favourite to take over the managerial role at HSV.

The 46-year-old was sacked from Hannover 96 in Decemeber 2013 despite winning 72 of his 167 games in charge, leading Die Roten to fourth place in the Bundesliga and qualifying for the Europa League.

Slomka also managed Schalke 04 and achieved a runners-up place and a Semi-Final place in the 05/06 UEFA Cup before being knocked out to eventual Champions Sevilla.

Another name that has been thrown around the mix is former HSV manager Martin Jol who has unfinished business at the club following a short stint in 2008.

The board were under pressure to appoint former player Felix Magath who is now at Jol’s old club, Fulham FC.

What I think needs to happen?

Whilst Jol would be a good appointment for the short term, it’s long term stability that the club need. If Jol was to come in till the end of the season, there’s no assurances that he would be there any longer.

Under Slomka they would get a longer-term manager, which is what they need. HSV have had 17 different coaches in charge since 2000.

Die Rothosen have been defensively woeful for most of the season and their four goals that came on Saturday were the only goals since the winter break.

The team have been criticised lately for their individual performances, although the trouble lies deeper than the team. The board need to take a look at themselves and the way that the club is structured before they can put the blame on any of the players.

It would be a real shame to see HSV relegated should worst come to worst. If 1.FC Nürnberg win against FC Augsburg today then Hamburger SV will find them two points off the relegation play-offs.

Matchday 22 sees HSV host Bundesliga and Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund.

Written by: Daniel Pinder

@DanPinder_