Ante Čović takes over U23s

After the addition of Andreas ‘Zecke’ Neuendorf to Hertha’s first team coaching staff, our U23s now have a familiar face as their new coach just in time for the start of pre-season training: Ante Čović has taken over the second team. "We are delighted to be welcoming back a footballing expert and someone who is Hertha through and through like Ante. He has proven that he can prepare talented players well for the challenges of professional football," said sporting director Fredi Bobic.

The qualified football coach led Hertha’s Regionalliga outfit from the dugout 183 times between 2013 and 2019 and is now eager to get started in his old and new position: "I am really looking forward to being back in the Hertha BSC dugout. The club has a special place in my heart. We all share the same goal of continuing the success story of our work with the academy and hopefully guiding more talented players into the first team squad," said Čović, who will begin preparing his players for a successful season in the Regionalliga immediately. 

In fact, Čović has already led his first session. Ante not only had his players working on their fitness, but granted them some time on the ball too. The squad has not yet been finalised, but has welcomed another two additions in Etienne Nikol and Ali Abu-Alfa. "We will work hard, our players need to be conditioned for a long Regionalliga season," said Čović. Next season, there will be 20 teams in the North-East fourth tier. The lads will be working at the Olympiapark in the coming weeks, with friendly fixtures yet to be arranged.