Striker Robert Glatzel will miss Hamburger SV’s upcoming Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund due to disciplinary reasons, a decision that comes after his public criticism. Head coach Merlin Polzin removed Glatzel from the squad for Saturday’s 6:30 PM game after the player complained about insufficient playing time in an interview with the «Hamburger Morgenpost» newspaper.
Polzin had previously emphasized that while players are entitled to their opinions, expressing them publicly in such a manner contradicts the club’s rules and values. He held a «frank, clarifying discussion» with Glatzel and confirmed that the matter was also addressed at a «higher level» within the club, where «clear words» were exchanged.
Glatzel reportedly initiated discussions with Polzin after the 0-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in early March. He expressed his confusion, stating, «Why I was then benched for the next two games as well, I cannot understand.»
Recently, Polzin has favored winter signing Damion Downs, who is still seeking his first goal in an HSV jersey.