Hamburg manager Merlin Polzin has clarified the decision to substitute Philip Otele at halftime during Hamburger SV’s 1-1 draw against Augsburg, insisting the move was purely tactical rather than injury-related.
Otele, who recently made his Super Eagles debut in a 2-2 friendly against Jordan, was withdrawn at the start of the second half at the Volksparkstadion with Hamburg trailing 1-0.
The Nigerian winger was replaced by Rayan Philippe, a change that immediately sparked speculation over his fitness and future at the club.
Addressing the decision after the match, Polzin dismissed concerns of any physical issue, instead pointing to the team’s lack of attacking efficiency in the opening half.
"We weren't happy with the depth we provided in the first half," Polzin said via Liga Insider. "It was significantly more dynamic with Rayan and therefore a good decision for the team."
Otele, currently on loan from FC Basel, endured a difficult outing as he struggled to impose himself on Augsburg’s defense.
His limited attacking impact contributed to Hamburg’s lack of penetration before the interval. The substitution, however, proved influential as Hamburg showed renewed attacking intent after the break.
Their persistence paid off when Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer found the equalizer in the 60th minute to secure a point for the hosts.
With only a handful of fixtures remaining this season, Otele will be eager to regain form and reassert his importance within the squad as Hamburg push to finish the campaign on a positive note.
Adeyemi Adewale
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