SEA DEVILS READY FOR MADRID TEST DESPITE UPHEAVAL
The Hamburg Sea Devils are in stoic form before a ball has even been kicked in the 2025 European League of Football, having seen a change at the helm just days before they make the trip to Spain for their season-opener against the Madrid Bravos.
Fortunately for Hamburg, who are hoping to complete a turnaround after two disappointing campaigns and return to playoff-winning form, there is a degree of continuity in the top office, with erstwhile offensive coordinator Lee Rowland assuming the head coaching role, and the experienced Briton is confident that his team can weather the storm of the past few days.
“The team is ready — despite recent developments,” Rowland insisted. “Players and coaches are fully focused on football and our upcoming opponent. We know we’re a good football team and are ready to show that to our fans and the rest of the league on Saturday.”
The game, which kicks off at 8pm local time on Saturday (17th May), also marks a special encounter for two members of the Sea Devils, as both Robin Fensch and Jean-Claude Madin Cerezo wore Bravos colours last season before returning to Hamburg for the 2025 campaign.
“It feels like coming home but, at the same time, like an exciting new start,” Fensch commented. “I learned a lot from my time in Madrid, but Hamburg is my football home.”
The Sea Devils are obviously pleased to see two of their former pillars return to the fold.
“Robin and Jean Claude are not only an asset in terms of sport, but also strong characters for our team structure,” GM Mark Weitz admitted. “We are looking forward to the start of the season in Madrid, and it’s an exciting challenge to start with an away game, but it will clearly be an emotional return for two of our players at the same time.”
The game takes place at Madrid’s Estadio de Vallehermoso, where the 8-4 debutant Bravos proved to be stubborn opponents on their way to a playoff appearance in 2024.