Football United

As we all know, the media don't always get it right, and HSV coach Klaus Toppmöller has never been a coach easily influenced by media speculation anyway, as he proved yesterday by announcing that the Czech Republic international defender Tomas Ujfalusi will become team captain with immediate effect: "Tomas Ujfalusi is our new captain," announced Toppi after Tuesday's morning training session.

Toppmöller's decision was made after a one on one meeting with the Czech defender, after Ujfalusi's first training session after arriving back in Hamburg following his fine performances during the EURO 2004 in Portugal: "He has a high acceptance level within the team. A decision like this one has to be thought out carefully. I also see the decision as a sign for the future," explained the HSV coach. Ironically as Toppmöller made the announcement, Sergej Barbarez rushed came out of the changing rooms with a look on his face which said everything.

Ujfalusi himself was surprised by the decision, but took it in his stride: "I'm happy that the coach thinks so highly of me. I think I can do a good job," said the defender, who when asked if he though he was a little too quiet on the pitch said: "No, I'm not all that quiet on the pitch. NOw I'll certainly become more vocal." It’s possible that the interest of foreign clubs in signing the classy Czech played a role in Toppmöller's decision: "This new responsibility binds me mentally to the club. I have a contract until 2007 at HSV, and I presume that I will fulfill it," says Ujfalusi.

Source: HSV.de