Hamburg adjusts defensive lineup for upcoming Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 7:25 PM

Last updated Sep 11, 2026

Hamburg adjusts defensive lineup for upcoming Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig
Summary

Hamburg manager Merlin Polzin is planning a tactical defensive reshuffle for Sunday's away match against RB Leipzig following a 5-0 loss to Mainz 05. Defender Sebastiaan Bornauw is unavailable for the fixture due to a muscular injury sustained during that home defeat. Consequently, Jordan Torunarigha is expected to shift to a central position, creating an opening for 19-year-old Shafiq Nandja to make his first Bundesliga start. Polzin has utilized the week to conduct tactical analysis with his squad, focusing on improving energy levels and team cohesion after a winless opening to the league campaign. The club currently remains scoreless in the Bundesliga after two losses to Borussia Dortmund and Mainz. Players are now tasked with implementing these adjustments to address the defensive vulnerabilities identified last weekend.

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Status Watch
  • Sebastiaan Bornauw is ruled out of Sunday's match with a muscular injury.
  • Shafiq Nandja is expected to make his first career Bundesliga start.
  • Jordan Torunarigha will move to the central defensive position.
  • Hamburg has lost its first two league fixtures against Dortmund and Mainz.
Latest Updates
  • 7:25 PMYahoo SportsHamburg set for major defensive reshuffle ahead of tough RB Leipzig test
What they're saying
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Hamburg head coach Merlin Polzin has demanded a significantly improved response from his side against RB Leipzig after last weekend’s 5-0 humiliation at the hands of Mainz 05, with the Rothosen also...

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