Bundesliga game on Friday
Hertha’s impatience: “One or the other point” is missing
Mainz’s Anthony Caci (l) scores in injury time to make it 1-1 against Hertha BSC. photo
© Thomas Frey/dpa
In terms of points, Hertha BSC is in the same position in the Bundesliga as it was at the same time last year. But the achievements give much more reason for hope in the West End.
Hertha coach Sandro Schwarz had digested the initial shock, but the 43-year-old was still frustrated with the late equalizer on his return to his hometown of Mainz the morning after. “Even with little sleep, he’s still there,” said Schwarz on Saturday.
Six points from seven league games, Hertha was exactly the same last season, which almost ended in relegation. Nevertheless, the positive overall impression of the Schwarz team before the international break remains. “I think we’re very stable, that we’ve taken some points with us in the last three games. Nevertheless, there’s a clear feeling that there could have been one or two more points,” said the 43-year-old about his first months as a Hertha coach.
Soon more countable must jump out
Unlike in previous years, the club is quiet. Schwarz and managing director Fredi Bobic have put together a team that plays passionate football, both defensively and offensively. His team is an unpleasant opponent for other teams. “We worked hard for that,” said Schwarz.
Added to this is the spirit of optimism under new President Kay Bernstein and a more harmonious relationship with the fans. But everyone involved is also aware that soon more countable must jump out on the field. In the long run, sporting success always determines the mood at a club.
As against Bayer Leverkusen last week, Schwarz’s team lost their maximum wages late at FSV Mainz 05. After a “very decent” first half, Hertha lost control. Half two was a “wrestling match”, said Schwarz. “We got involved. That was the big problem, and that annoys me too,” said Schwarz.
Black: “We don’t need pity”
Despite all the passionate commitment, no relief was achieved. “You have to say very clearly that we weren’t good there. That cost us two points in that last second.” Substitute Mainz Anthony Caci scored in the fourth minute of added time.
For the international break, there are many issues that Hertha will continue to address, said Schwarz. The coach mentioned working against the ball, the consistency with which the team goes deeper after winning the ball, being cleaner at first contact in positional play. In addition, the team must keep being “really disgusting” for the opponents.
Nine players travel to their national teams. Before the upcoming league game against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on October 2nd, there will be time for individual work and a test match at Oberliga side 1. FC Frankfurt/Oder.
Schwarz also senses impatience for even better results, “because then you want the reward for what we produce right away.” But the coach also makes it clear: “We don’t need pity. We have to learn from it.”