The Hamburger SV has parted ways with head coach Liese Brancao in the Women’s Bundesliga four matchdays before the end of the season. Assistant coach Gerhard Waldhart was also released immediately. Former HSV player Rodolfo Esteban Cardoso is taking over on an interim basis.
“After a thorough analysis of the team’s development and intensive discussions with all parties involved, we have come to the conclusion that a change in coaching staff is necessary at this time,” stated Eric Huwer, a member of the HSV board. “The goal of this decision is to achieve our objectives by providing the team with a new impetus, fresh energy, and the necessary relaxation in the final stretch with Rodolfo Cardoso,” the 42-year-old continued.
The HSV women’s football team, currently in twelfth place with a three-point lead over a direct relegation spot, faces a crucial away game against promoted side Nürnberg in the upcoming matchday. A victory could shorten the gap to eleventh-placed “Club” to just one point.
Cardoso, a key figure at HSV, expressed his excitement about the task ahead. “I am very much looking forward to the challenge and to supporting the team in this crucial phase of the season,” said the 57-year-old, who previously worked as an individual coach for the U19 team at HSV.
“I am convinced that we will quickly make progress and secure the necessary points for survival,” added interim coach Rodolfo Cardoso. This marks Cardoso’s first foray into women’s football. Phil Nabaoui, previously the U19 assistant coach, will also temporarily join the coaching staff.
Cardoso, who previously served as interim coach of the HSV men’s team in 2011 and 2013, will lead a coaching team that includes goalkeeper coach Sascha Kirschstein, assistant coach Eren Sen, and fitness coach Felix Kleist.
Liese Brancao, who was released, joined HSV in July 2025 after coaching the Austrian champions SKN St. Pölten for six years. During her tenure with the “Rothosen,” the 44-year-old Brazilian managed the team for 24 competitive matches and achieved a points average of 0.88 (five wins, six draws, 13 losses).
