Hurricanes cup upset: “We always believed in it”

One day later, the Hamburg Hurricanes are still the talk of the town. Fupa spoke to the coach of the cup shocker Corentin Nehemie Cleuziat.​

 

How do you explain this sensation?

Corentin Nehemie Cleuziat: “The key was cohesion and the determination to be there for each other. We know our pitch inside out and know that playing on ash is a challenge for any team. We knew that we only had a chance if we went into this game with full intensity. Our fans played an important role in that by cheering us on and putting the pressure on our opponents.”

 

What was your plan? Was it about not losing by too much or did you believe you had a chance?

“The result wasn't our priority beforehand. We set out to play in a structured way, keep order in midfield and stay focused until the end. Our aim was to earn respect, keep playing and fight no matter what. Even if the chances were slim, we always believed that we could pull off a surprise.”

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How do you rate the game?

“The game was pure emotion. I said to my assistant coach shortly before kick-off that we had to score a goal quickly to have a chance. After the second goal, we knew that we could put HEBC in trouble. The second half was very tough because we could feel the big difference in level. But the boys fought with heart and soul until the end and always believed in themselves.”

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What does this success mean to you?

“It's the first time in the club's history that we've beaten an Oberliga team - a huge milestone for us. We're a young, international club that was founded in 2013 and we mainly have expats from over 40 countries playing for us. We are not just a club, but a second family for the players. Soccer unites us and we want to show the big clubs that we exist on the Hamburg soccer map! This victory is the result of the hard work of the last eleven years. It means a lot to the whole community. The first players used to play on the Stadtpark grass until the city gave us an ash pitch in the north of Hamburg and recognized the club. The next step now is to find an artificial pitch together with the district authority.”

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Do you have a preferred opponent for the next round?

“Altona 93 would of course be a dream for many players. We are extremely grateful and happy to have reached the fourth round. Everything that comes next is just a bonus.”

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Translated from original text on https://www.fupa.net/news/hurricanes-wunder-wir-haben-immer-daran-geglaubt-3044288