“We want to make sure Mario gets the recognition he deserves on Tuesday,” Merlin Polzin said as Hamburger SV brought Mario Vušković back into team training for the first time after his four-year doping suspension. The club moved the session to the Volksparkstadion, a clear sign that this was meant to be noticed. Vušković, 24, last played on 9 November 2022.
Polzin wants the comeback kept under control
Polzin did not want the day turned into a victory lap. “At the same time, we don't want to make too much of a fuss about it, because that’s not really his way. He's just really looking forward to being back in the dressing room, enjoying himself with the team again and getting back out on the pitch,” he said.
That tone fits the football side of the story. Vušković is returning to a squad that still has work to do, with Hamburger SV 13th in the 2025 Bundesliga table, on 38 points and with a -14 goal difference last season. The club need defensive help, but this is still a controlled reintegration, not a straight route back into the XI.
Polzin also said: “He looks good and can hardly wait to get going. He'll be absolutely raring to go, so if anything, we'll probably have to rein him in a little.” That is the important line here. Hamburg are welcoming him back, but they are also setting the pace.
Vušković now starts the long work back towards competitive football, with the club choosing recognition first and restraint alongside it.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
