Football Season Guide

HSV survived in the Bundesliga last season to maintain their proud record of never being relegated but it really was a miserable campaign from start to finish. They ended with their lowest points total in modern times with a squad decimated by cuts and filled with Chelsea reserves and though they seem a little stronger now, they have not made the wholescale improvements needed to challenge at the top. The departures of Petric and Guerrero completes the end of the side which competed in consecutive Europa League semi finals so Marcus Berg must finally step into their shoes alongside new signing Rudnevs who it will be hoped can hit the ground running having played in Poland last season. Scharner is an experienced and gritty competitor in the midfield which should aid the more youthful players while the only other addition, Rene Adler, will be excellent if he is fully fit. In the shape of Aogo, Jansen and Westermann there are defensive players with German caps while in the midfield it will be hoped Ilicevic and Skjelbred can fulfil their potential after frustrating debut seasons. Beister has also returned after a superb loan spell and will compete for a first team place but this squad still seems notably weaker than that of the clubs they will consider their equal.