By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Emotions erupted late Saturday evening at Hamburger SV's arena following the club's return to the first tier after seven years.

Hours of celebration followed across the city. While overwhelming joy is typical after sporting success, the dramatic story of one of Germany's most famous football teams stands as a special chapter.

Internal power struggles had divided the team, with various squads and coaches collapsing under immense expectations after relegation in 2018. It took 34-year-old former assistant coach Merlin Polzin to finally overcome these challenges.

The 2018 relegation was Hamburg's first and only demotion since the league's foundation in 1963. After 2,555 days, the "Red pants" are back.

Narrow and heartbreaking failures, often mere millimeters from success, had led to widespread mockery. Golden times seemed long gone, with the atmosphere verging permanently on mediocrity.

This golden era included six league titles (the last in 1983), three German Cup wins (last in 1987), the 1977 UEFA Cup, and the 1983 European Champions Cup - the predecessor to today's UEFA Champions League - largely associated with Felix Magath.

Neither the club's fans nor the former German international have forgotten that magical night in Athens, when Magath scored the winning goal against Juventus after nine minutes.

After a coaching career and more than 300 games in an HSV shirt, the 71-year-old Magath recently announced plans to run for president in the June 2025 elections.

For many supporters, hopes rest heavily on the former Shandong Taishan coach, who promised to steer the club back to consistency if elected.

"It feels like someone shaking a bottle of champagne for seven years, now the cork went off," said Stefan Kuntz, director of sport, after coach Polzin received the traditional beer shower during the post-game press conference.

The former German international and 1996 European champion added: "We are back where we belong."

Central to the current fairytale is coach Polzin, who took charge in November 2024 when morale at the club had hit rock bottom.

Polzin, born in Hamburg, began as an avid fan, traveling to every game. He later completed coaching education and served as an assistant coach under several predecessors.

Despite financial losses over recent years that may have diminished Hamburg's once-great potential, HSV returns to the Bundesliga not as an ordinary rookie. Merely battling relegation cannot be considered a realistic goal.

Calm and thoughtful leadership could provide an opportunity for sustained success if realistic sporting goals are established.

"We will start planning next week to play a significant role in the first division," Kuntz said, confirming that Polzin's contract has been extended. ■