On Sunday he will be spoiled for choice again. Shortly before Daniel Thioune makes his way to Karlsruhe with his professionals, where the last HSV game of the year takes place on Monday evening, the coach has to name his squad. The most exciting question: will Sonny Kittel be there this time? Or is the offensive player’s time of suffering extended?
The short suspension has now turned into a longer break. Two weeks ago against Hanover, Kittel saw negligent yellow-red, Thioune and the 27-year-old left the events behind after a one-to-one conversation. But after Kittel was then suspended in Darmstadt (2: 1), Thioune did not call him into the squad against Sandhausen either – because he did not want to tear apart his victorious squad. And now, after the 4-0? Again everything is open.
HSV coach Thione lets Kittel continue to zap
Kittel has to fidget. “We still have a few days,” Thioune said on Friday. “Maybe we have to change a bit, then the squad will be a little different. It’s open.”
A clear commitment to Kittel did not come from Thioune’s lips. There is no question that the coach thinks of his highly talented attacking man in footballing terms, who was the best HSV second division shooter with eleven goals in the preseason. “A Sonny Kittel in top form belongs on every football field and in every team,” explains Thioune. The only question is: is Kittel currently able to access these services?
Thioune tried to talk to HSV striker Kittel
It is obvious that the Kittel personality gives the trainer a headache. Even before the Sandhausen game, Thioune sought a conversation and justified his waiver of smocks. “For Sonny, especially after his suspension, it is important that you talk to him,” says Thioune, who makes it clear: “If you don’t include such a player in the squad, you have to explain it to him.”
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Even now Thioune is in demand as a psychologist. If he again refrains from changing his victorious squad and leaves Kittel in Hamburg, the sensitive attacker would certainly have to nibble on it over Christmas. On the other hand, Thioune would have to sacrifice another offensive man for Kittel. At the moment, only Lukas Hinterseer could actually be considered.
Wintzheimer only trained in doses on Friday
It is possible that Thioune will still make the decision. Manuel Wintzheimer only trained in doses on Friday due to a bruise in the thigh area. But the 21-year-old should, if possible, get back on Saturday.
