Yussuf Poulsen new HSV captain

Yussuf Poulsen is the new captain of Hamburger SV. Head coach Merlin Polzin announced this to the team one day before the Bundesliga promoted team's DFB Cup match on Saturday (13:00/Sky) at Oberliga club FK Pirmasens. The striker succeeds Sebastian Schonlau (31), who wore the captain's armband for four years.

The choice fell on Poulsen "because he has a great sense of responsibility and a lot of experience," said Polzin. In addition, as a full professional, he exemplifies 100 percent commitment.

"But my expectation is also that everyone gets involved and takes responsibility for each other," said the coach. Miro Muheim and Daniel Elfadli - two of the promotion heroes - had also been considered as captains.

Poulsen still injured

The 31-year-old Poulsen only moved from RB Leipzig to HSV this summer. The Danish international had played for the Saxons since 2013. Midfielders Jonas Meffert and Nicolas Capaldo were appointed as his deputies in Hamburg.

Like Poulsen, the Argentinian Capaldo only arrived a few weeks ago. With the Dane missing the cup game through injury, Meffert or Capaldo will wear the captain's armband in Pirmasens.

Former captain Schonlau only with limited prospects

The role of captain had to be reassigned, as there is no longer a place for Sebastian Schonlau in head coach Merlin Polzin's plans. The central defender is set to leave the club.

He moved to Volkspark from SC Paderborn in 2021. The coach at the time, Daniel Thioune, also made him captain as a new signing. Thioune's successors also kept him as team captain. "Being allowed to lead HSV onto the pitch as captain in recent years was always something special for me," said Schonlau.