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Hamburg have appointed new signing Yussuf Poulsen as the new club captain, replacing Sebastian Schonlau, who is expected to depart Die Rothosen after four years wearing the armband. Poulsen will be deputised by midfielders Jonas Meffert and Nicolas Capaldo.
Many of the Hamburg faithful had expected either fan favourites Miro Muheim or Daniel Elfadli to take the reins heading into the club’s first Bundesliga season since 2018.
Speaking in the Hamburg press release, Merlin Polzin explained his decision: “We chose Yussuf because he has a strong sense of responsibility and a wealth of experience. Furthermore, as a full-time professional, he exemplifies 100 percent commitment.”
Having arrived earlier this summer from RB Leipzig, Poulsen seems to have made a strong first impression on his new teammates. Now former captain Schonlau also spoke in the Hamburg press release, praising the Danish striker: “Based on how I got to know Yussi during his first few weeks with us, I am sure he will be a good captain. I will support him and the team as best I can, together with Meffert and Capi.”
Poulsen spoke of his pride after being appointed as captain: “It means a lot to me that the coach and the team have given me such responsibility right from the start. I want to fill this role with everything I have,” said Poulsen, who has 233 Bundesliga appearances under his belt – many of them as vice-captain of Leipzig.
GGFN | Harry Good
