Fink confident of Bundesliga survival

New Hamburg coach Thorsten Fink is confident the team he has taken over are equipped to escape from the Bundesliga relegation zone.

Fink guided FC Basel to successive titles in the Swiss Super League during 2009/10 and 2010/11.

He left to join Hamburg last Thursday, replacing Michael Oenning who was sacked in September.

Caretaker coach Frank Arnesen orchestrated a 2-1 win over Freiburg on Sunday, recording Hamburg’s second victory of the league season.

They remain bottom of the table with seven points from nine matches played.

Fink believes the playing squad have what it takes to get out of trouble, and he is relying on the long-term backing of the club hierarchy to transform Hamburg’s fortunes on the pitch.

“I know that HSV has one philosophy, to have continuity and work with a manager for a long period,” Fink said.

“That gave me trust. I believe in my team. I think they can do more than they show at the moment.”

“I am convinced by the squad, if not I wouldn’t have left a club that is playing in the Champions League, for a team in the relegation zone.”

“I think I understand football and saw that this team has great potential and that the attitude here is positive.”

Hamburg’s next match is at home to Wolfsburg on Saturday.