HEAD COACH WANTS FIRE FANS ON SONG FOR HAMBURG REMATCH

Rhein Fire head coach Richard Kent is expecting the team’s travelling support to channel all their frustration into helping obtain a vital win this weekend.

Fresh from cheering the Fire throughout their nail-biting encounter with the Nordic Storm in Copenhagen last week, the Rhein crowd is expected to show up in force in Hamburg, where the reigning champions will be hoping for a repeat of their recent 43-0 demolition of the Sea Devils in Week 5.

The home side moved the game from the Volksparkstadion to the much smaller Hoheluft Stadium at short notice, and Kent is hoping that the many Fire fans, who have been preparing for the trip to the Hanseatic city for months, will use the unnecessary annoyance to add to their usual vociferous support.

Hamburg, however, were concerned about the condition of the turf at the Volksparkstadion which, following events such as three consecutive Ed Sheeran concerts — during which the turf was completely covered with walkable tiles but subject to sometimes heavy rainfall — has suffered significant damage. According to pitch experts, the field would not be able to be restored to a playable condition, especially after this week’s Imagine Dragons concert, prompting fears of an increased risk of injury to the players.

“Of course, we would have liked to play this special match at the Volksparkstadion, and the anticipation was great,” Sea Devils GM Mark Weitz commented. “At the same time, it was clear to us that the safety and quality of the playing surface were our top priority. “We would like to thank HSV for their open and constructive cooperation and are pleased to be able to use the Hoheluft Stadium, a proven and atmospheric venue.”

The Sea Devils have already successfully played three home games at Hoheluft this season, but will welcome in a Fire side still smarting from the one-point defeat in Denmark that leaves them at 4-4 and grasping at any chance to remain in the hunt for a playoff place.

“The playoffs are possible, and our ultimate goal of defending our title can still be achieved — so we’ll continue to work with focus.” backup QB Rohat Dagdelen said ahead of setting off for Sunday afternoon’s game, which comes with Hamburg last in the North Division with a record of two wins and six losses. A lot has changed in Hamburg since the first encounter this season, with US quarterback Micah Leon back under centre after missing the first leg due to injury. Meanwhile, running back Chrisman Kyei has moved into second spot in the rush yardage table, and his 127 yards from the game in Duisburg should serve as warning and motivation for the Fire defense.

“The guys are tough, they’re fighting and continuing to improve,” OC Fred Armstrong noted ahead of Rhein’s fifth consecutive road game.

Coming off a bye week, the Sea Devils are looking to build on the positive moments of their last home game where, against Nordic Storm, they put up a fight before eventually succumbing to the undefeated division leaders.