Football and HSV experts Tobias Escher and Daniel Jovanov recount the long decline of Hamburger Sport-Verein. The authors have spoken with former players, coaches, and officials, providing a unique behind-the-scenes look. They compellingly trace the conflicts and power struggles, making it clear that the club's relegation did not happen overnight; it was the result of years of effort.

As the only founding member, the six-time German champion remained in the top tier continuously and was long regarded as a leader in German and even European football. However, since 2009, HSV has repeatedly struggled with financial dependencies, dramatic misjudgments by the leadership, coaches who did not fit the team, and players who were overworked. Escher and Jovanov reveal why the club was truly relegated after 54 years, 261 days, 36 minutes, and 2 seconds.