Olic happy at Hamburg
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Article summary
Hamburger SV's hopes of pushing clear of the Bundesliga relegation zone have been been boosted by the acquisition of Ivica Olic from PFC CSKA Moskva.
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Doll content
Olić, 27, has agreed a two-and-a-half year contract in a transfer reported to be worth €2m, much to the delight of Hamburg coach Thomas Doll. He said: "We are sure Ivica will strengthen our squad. We have been watching him for quite a while now." He is likely to make his debut against FC Energie Cottbus on Wednesday.
Several trophies
The Croatian's contract with CSKA was due to expire in the summer and he was keen to bring a premature end to a four-season stay which reaped three Premier-Liga titles, two Russian Cups and the UEFA Cup in 2005. The scorer of six goals in 42 internationals, Olić appeared briefly in the Bundesliga for Hertha BSC Berlin in 1999. He has also played for NK Marsonia, NK Zagreb and NK Dinamo Zagreb. Hamburg are 17th in the 18-team top flight.
Atouba returns
Meanwhile, Hamburg defender Guy Demel tore a muscle in his left thigh during Saturday's 1-1 draw at DSC Arminia Bielefeld and is expected to miss five weeks of football. The 25-year-old's absence could clear the way for the return of Thimothée Atouba, the 24-year-old Cameroonian international having been recalled for first-team training following a club suspension.