The Lonesome Death of Roy Carroll: Hamburg

Friday, 20 March 2009

Hamburg

This is the one I wanted the least.

Oh well, we'll beat them in a magical European night at Eastlands.

Seriously though, they are probably better than us. They're fourth in Bundelisga, albeit tied on points with second and third - and four points behind Hertha Berlin who are top. It's a credit to Martin Jol that they're doing so well despite selling three of their biggest names recently: Rafael van der Vaart to Real Madrid, and Vincent Kompany and Nigel de Jong to a certain English club.

Their big star is probably Ivica Olić, a quality version of Paul Dickov. His fellow Croat Mladen Petrić is HSV's top scorer this season with ten Bundesliga goals. Other big names include German midfielder Piotr Trochowski and Peruvian striker José Paolo Guerrero.

If we get past them it's either Werder Bremen or Udinese.

6 comments:

jackblue said...: And Werder Bremen in the semi to show Diego where he is coming to lol.; 20 March 2009 at 12:15
bluebrandon said...: this is the one i wanted the most, played them pre season and have taken two of there best players since then, petrov and bellamy and bojinov back to fitness we have a great chane of the semis cmon; 20 March 2009 at 12:24
The Electric Donkey said...: Bring it on I say. This will be a good measure of where City are and where they expect to be. If we want silverware, gotta beat the likes of Hamburg.

I'm really looking forward to it. Hamburg still reminds me of the first footballer I was aware of moving outside of the UK - Kevin Keegan in 77.; 20 March 2009 at 12:25
Steven McInerney said...: bluebrandon - I doubt Petrov or Boj will be regisetered?

I know Boj isn't...could anyone comment on Petrov? We'll really miss De Jong in these games. Sigh.; 20 March 2009 at 12:38
Gary said...: I am really not bothered about getting Hamburg, I think we can beat them. If the good City turns up I would say we will definitely beat them.; 20 March 2009 at 13:19
pjdemers said...: Trochowski is the dangerman. A tricky dribbler with a cannonball shot who loves to switch wings. He's also capable of playing through the middle.

In fact given Sparky's track record in the Bundesliga plus our Hamburg connection I was hoping he's on City's radar for next season. He's only 24 and has already become a mainstay to the German national team. He conjured a brilliant goal from almost nothing against Wales in WC qualifying. A potential match winner.

I would love to see him at City. He'd would push SWP, Robinho, Elano, and Petrov all the way.; 20 March 2009 at 21:17