Polzin Explains Otele’s Half-Time Substitution After Augsburg Clash

Hamburg coach Merlin Polzin has explained why he replaced Nigeria international Philip Otele at half-time during the 1-1 draw with Augsburg. Otele missed a clear chance in the 39th minute and was swapped for Rayan Philippe after the break. Polzin insisted the change was tactical, not due to injury. "He was not injured. We needed more depth and penetrative runs behind the line. With Rayan in the side, our play became significantly more dynamic," he said. According to Polzin, the substitution aimed to stretch the defence and exploit intermediate gaps. He believes the move improved the team’s attacking threat. By Adeboye Amosu

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