- Herth's hope: prominent House of Commons
"Anticipation and tension". With these two words, Cristian Fiel described his mood before Hertha BSC's opening game in the 2. Bundesliga on Saturday (13:00 CET/Sky) against SC Paderborn. The new coach of the Berliners knows that a win at the start would make many things easier.
What are Hertha's expectations for the season?
The goal is clear. The Berliners want to go back up - to the Bundesliga. However, they don't want to openly state this as a clear season target, as it carries too many risks. "Games can also be lost," warned sports director Benjamin Weber. The Berliners are familiar with a negative mood spiral. Therefore, the official target set by Weber is: "We want to be among the teams that are up there." They want to be "as successful as possible".
How was the preparation?
Compared to previous years, it was quite calm this time. No scandals, no squabbles, and no exaggerated expectations. The only annoyance was the injuries to Kevin Sessa (knee) and especially Fabian Reese (ankle) in the frustrating test against Energie Cottbus (2:2). Sportingly, most things went well. Only against Huddersfield Town (1:2) was there a defeat. Coach Fiel noted that the new additions had integrated surprisingly quickly.
When will Fabian Reese return?
At the draft of the Icon League by Toni Kroos last weekend, Reese was already back in the spotlight on crutches. When the difference-maker can return to the pitch is open.
Weber didn't want to speculate either. But with this type of ankle injury, it's about many weeks, minimum. A comeback in September would already be good.
Who is particularly important for Hertha's sports performance?
Now, the new additions Diego Demme and Michael Cuisance are particularly challenged. In midfield, they are supposed to organize the game both forward and backward. Hertha will often face defensively acting teams. Making pressure without losing their own order, as they did in the previous season, will be crucial. The goals of second league top scorer Haris Tabakovic remain indispensable.
Will more players be brought in or let go?
Reese's stay has indeed become much more likely due to the injury. However, it could still be that the Berliners receive offers, for example, for Tabakovic. Unlike previous years, the pressure to sell players is not as high this time. The squad is basically in place, Weber said. Peripheral figures like Bilal Hussein could still be sold or loaned out to save the budget. There will be clarity after the transfer deadline on August 30.
Will Paderborn be an early stumbling block?
The East Westphalians should not be underestimated. Fiel knows their coach Lukas Kwasniok and his football ideas particularly well. A compact defense and a variable attack is what the Hertha coach expects. With Sven Michel, the SCP has gained a Bundesliga-proven striker who has already caused trouble for Hertha at the Olympiastadion in the jersey of Union Berlin.
Who are the competitors in the promotion race?
The list is long and prominent. 1. FC Köln wants to return directly to the top flight, Darmstadt 98 will certainly do so. Schalke 04, like Hertha, is aiming for promotion at the second attempt, and Hamburger SV thinks it's their turn after many years. Fortuna Düsseldorf wants to make the leap this time after the relegation drama against Bochum, and there are also ambitious clubs like Hannover 96 or 1. FC Nürnberg, who are attacking with former world champion Miroslav Klose as their new coach. Weber has six to eight clubs on his list of competitors.
What will happen to Pal Dardai now?
The question about the former coach made Weber chuckle. The speculation about a candidacy for Pal Dardai as president was just a summer slowdown story. But what the Hungarian will do in the future is uncertain. A position within the club was promised to him upon separation at the end of the season. This could now become a personnel issue. There doesn't seem to be an opening in the academy. Weber assured that the agreed-upon talks will take place once Dardai returns from vacation.
Hertha's upcoming game against Huddersfield Town in preparation for the season could be a crucial test. Despite the defeat against Huddersfield in a past friendly, the new additions have integrated quickly, indicating a potential strong showing.
During the Icon League event, injured Fabian Reese was spotted using crutches, hinting at a potential return to the pitch for the crucial Hertha BSC player.
