Van Marwijk takes over at Hamburg
Hamburg - Hamburger SV have named former Borussia Dortmund and Netherlands boss Bert van Marwijk as their new head coach. The 61-year-old, who takes over from Thorsten Fink, has signed a contract through until 30 June 2015.
Van der Vaart: "A good head coach"
A 6-2 defeat to Dortmund spelled the beginning of the end for Fink, and following the recent Matchday 6 2-0 loss to SV Werder Bremen, the Bundesliga's only ever-presents are now hoping van Marwijk's know-how can put a halt to their poor form, which has seen them amass just four points from their opening six games.
"We're glad to have appointed a very experienced coach in Bert van Marwijk," said Hamburg's sporting director Oliver Kreuzer. "He's often demonstrated his ability in the past."
Van Marwijk faces the challenging prospect of trying to distance the Red Shorts from the drop zone, whilst plugging the gaps in the league's leakiest backline, which has conceded an average close to three goals a game. However, van Marwijk boasts a wealth of knowledge having previously spent two years in the Bundesliga with BVB between 2004 and 2006, before guiding the Dutch national side to the 2010 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.
Speaking last week, midfield maestro Rafael van der Vaart had come out in support of van Marwijk taking over at HSV. "I know Bert van Marwijk from his time as the national team head coach," explained the Dutch team captain in an interview with Sky Sports News HD. "He's a good head coach and I think very positively of him."
