Succumbing to a late goal and a 1-0 defeat to SC Paderborn this afternoon, Miro Muheim labelled it “a very frustrating day" for HSV.
“It wasn't a good game. We were a bit too passive and sloppy with the ball throughout the entire match,” he said in his full-time interview.
"Our plan was to press high up the pitch at times, but we didn't manage that often enough. We also lost possession too easily.
We defended very well in the first half. Unfortunately, we conceded more chances in the second half.
“Then it becomes difficult to win a game like that. We didn't deserve to win today. We can't dwell on this game for too long,” he added.
The Hanseatic club's head coach Merlin Polzin congratulated Paderborn on their victory but wasn't satisfied with it his team's display.
"It wasn't a good game from us. After being at a very high energy level and intensity for the past four weeks, that wasn't the case today.
"We knew what to expect here: a team that deservedly earned promotion and makes it difficult for their opponents.
"It was essential to remain focused, especially defensively. We managed that in the first half and were in the game.
"In the second half, we didn't do it well enough, and then it becomes difficult. Nevertheless, you have to finish the game 0-0 and take the point home.
“We didn't do that, and that's something we need to work on,” Polzin said as Hamburger SV turn their focus to the DFB Pokal.