Hertha's Niederlechner demands winning mentality
Florian Niederlechner would like to see more of a winning mentality for the Hertha BSC team in the upcoming season. "It's a lot of fun, unfortunately we don't have enough points. But I can see an upward trend," said the striker at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of Friday's away game at Hannover 96 (6.30pm/Sky), "We have to continue like this, but we need more winning mentality. If we can get that in, then we can surprise a few people." Hertha are twelfth with 17 points ahead of the 14th matchday, five points behind the fourth-placed team from the capital of Lower Saxony.
Like the team, the 33-year-old feels he is on the up after scoring his first league goal of the season in the 2-2 draw against Karlsruher SC. "I didn't play that often in the first few games, but I'm experienced enough and helped the young players and didn't let myself down in training," said the former Augsburg player. Niederlechner was in the starting eleven for the 3-0 win over FSV Mainz and has since secured his place as "nine and a half". After the success against Karlsruhe, the veteran is now hoping for the ketchup bottle effect: "If I keep scoring goals and making assists, it will be difficult for me to be ousted from the team."
After his difficult time since moving from Augsburg to Berlin in January, Niederlechner feels a little guilty, but takes to the pitch with a completely different mindset. "You can't compare it to last season. Last season we weren't a team, we were actually a pile of pigs. That's why we were relegated."
However, a return to the national elite class after just one season still leaves the experienced attacker cold. "We're currently twelfth, I'm totally relaxed. I only see the three points," said Niederlechner.
Hertha BSC striker Florian Niederlechner expressed his desire for more winning mentality within the team, even mentioning their upcoming match against Hanover 96 in the 2nd league. Despite the team's 12th position with 17 points, Hanover 96 is four spots ahead with 22 points. Niederlechner also spoke about his improved form, scoring his first league goal against Karlsruher SC and securing his spot in the starting lineup.
Source: www.dpa.com
