Defense worries: Hertha threatened by loss of captain Leistner
Second-division soccer team Hertha BSC are plagued by defensive concerns ahead of their home match against SV Elversberg. Captain Toni Leistner, who left the game in Hanover last Friday with an injury, is in danger of being ruled out. "He wants to. But my assessment and experience is that he won't make it at the weekend," said coach Pal Dardai on Friday ahead of the game against the newly promoted side on Sunday (1.30pm/Sky).
And the first alternative in central defense is also not fully fit. Linus Gechter was absent due to illness on Thursday, but should be back in training on Friday. "If he can't, plan C, then we improvise," said the 47-year-old Hungarian. It is quite possible that the trained central defender Pascal Klemens (18) will then be moved back into the defense from the six-man position.
"Can you say where you want to play?" joked Dardai at the press conference in the direction of Hertha's homegrown player. "I don't really care. Wherever I'm put up," the 18-year-old replied, much to the delight of his coach. "Good answer," said Dardai with satisfaction.
The Hungarian warned against underestimating the opponents because of their still unglamorous name. "I know what footballers are like. I used to be one myself," said Dardai. The Saarlanders were rightly in sixth place and showed courageous soccer with strong combinations.
Hertha BSC, currently playing in Bundesliga 2, face defensive challenges with the potential absence of captain Toni Leistner and Linus Gechter's health concerns. The young talent Pascal Klemens, usually a six-man player, might be shifted to defense if needed, demonstrating Hertha's need to adapt against Bundesliga 2 opponents SV Elversberg.
Source: www.dpa.com
