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Hamburger SV is preparing for the final spurt.

The five-day competition trip to SV Sandhausen (Thursday, 8.30 p.m.) and Jahn Regensburg (Sunday, 1.30 p.m.) with short training camps at three different locations in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria should focus entirely on the promotion race in the 2nd Bundesliga.

“We have big tasks ahead of us,” says coach Daniel Thioune.

Although he cannot anticipate the end of the trip, he has one wish for Sunday: "I would like to land in Hamburg with six points."

If HSV wants to get a direct promotion place, it cannot afford modesty. The club is currently third with 50 points behind VfL Bochum (57) and SpVgg Greuther Fürth (54) - with one game less. The relegation place gives hope, but preference is given to security in the first two places, which would mean direct promotion. Regardless of what comes next, one thing is very important to him: "Do not lapse into actionism."

Thioune has gathered impressions over the past few days.

“To talk to one or the other player about how he classifies the situation,” says the coach and reminds of the outcry in public when HSV stumbles again.

"The past catches up with us relatively quickly," says Thioune.

That is why the educator also wants to strengthen his players with a mental trainer, tries to talk them out of uncertainties and ifs and buts.

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Understandably, the 46-year-old does not want to address the team's missed promotions in 2019 and 2020.

“I cannot influence the past,” he says of his reluctance to draw negative parallels.

Rather, he identified a new quality: "I have a very good feeling because many things are of a new standard."

There is much talk of the danger of ailing boxers.

Sandhausen is battered.

Firstly, second to last, secondly, 14 days in quarantine and without training.

"Sandhausen will fight for bare survival because they want to play football in this league next year," believes the HSV coach.

His antidote: "We can stay with ourselves completely." This means reflecting on your own strengths.

It could be uncomfortable for HSV

But there is one thing he can't take away from his kickers. “The pressure will build up”, he knows and assures: “In the next few weeks, the head will play a major role.” Five of the six outstanding opponents in the current season come from the bottom third of the table and have eye contact for relegation. For some it is the easiest remaining program of all promotion candidates. Others, however, warn: It could be uncomfortable for HSV.

For Thioune, however, the glass is always half full instead of half empty. There are negatives, but for the coach who studied sports science and education, it belongs in the box of oblivion. In the past nine games, HSV has only won twice. Thioune holds against it: In the past 18 games, HSV has only lost three times. “We always have to look ahead,” he advises. What lies ahead of him and his players are not stumbling blocks. Thioune: "There is a lot to gain for us."