New Hamburg boss Gisdol sets out his stall

"I believe that his ideology matches that of our squad, he wants to develop young players and that is also a key for us." Those were the words of Hamburg chairman Dietmar Biersdorfer on why the club chose Markus Gisdol as its 12th permanent boss in less than 10 years.

The 47-year old is a motivated coach, renowned for playing an energetic, youthful  and attacking style of football which made for an exciting rollercoaster ride at Hoffenheim. In the 2013/14 campaign, his only full season in charge, Hoffenheim set a Bundesliga record for the the highest combined total of scored and conceded goals. They scored 70 and conceded 72. 

At Hamburg, Gisdol has already made it clear that he will take his time in evaluating the squad in front of him. Each player, whether they are one of the newcomers that contributed to the club's spending of over 30 million euros (33.7 million dollars) this summer, or a seasoned veteran, has a chance.

"The first thing we've got to do is put out positive energy; we've got to alleviate the pressure, which I can't wait to do," Gisdol said at his first Hamburg press conference on Monday.

"I'm completely unbiased about the squad and will take the next days and weeks to collect a complete image of my team.

"Whether a player is 18 or 35 isn't a decisive factor for me. It's about whether they are ready to perform."

Taking it step-by-step

Gisdol's style of play is in sync with that which is in vogue in the Bundesliga. He believes in high, aggressive pressing without the ball and has a desire to attack with pace and power once in possession. 

The former Schalke assistant's tactics got the most out of Kevin Volland, Roberto Firmino and Anthony Modeste at Hoffenheim. Bobby Wood, Filip Kostic and Alan Halilovic are the pieces in his new jigsaw puzzle and the trio appear certain to be a key part of the entertaining brand of football Gisdol hopes to provide for the increasingly weary Hamburg fans.

"We've have an idea of how we want to play," Gisdol added. "Now we've got to take it step by step in implementing our ideal set-up.

"I won't promise immediate results. For me it's about seeing what we demand in training and putting it into practice on the pitch."

At first glance Gisdol appears to be the calm and confident figure that Hamburg has been crying out for. He has made it clear his immediate focus is set on steadying the Hamburg ship, and his demand for only a nine month contract suggests he wants to re-think in the summer should he achieve this.

Hamburg fans will hope he can succeed in his aims, deal with the intense spotlight on the Volksparkstadion and sign a longer deal to provide the stability they've lacked for so long.