Vedad Ibišević returns to Hertha as an attacking coach!

For five years, Vedad Ibišević played up front for Hertha BSC, scoring 56 goals in 159 competitive games between 2015 and 2020. The 36-year-old has now returned to the capital to work as an attacking coach for the first team, as well as for academy players too. “We’re pleased that we’ve been able to get another Herthaner involved with the club in Vedad Ibišević. I’m certain that he’ll be able to help improve our attackers throughout the club with his experience and qualities,” commented managing director for sport Fredi Bobic. Coach Pál Dárdai is also pleased with the new addition to the coaching team: “During his time here as a player, Vedad was like the link between the coaches and the team on the pitch. He’s a leader and I’m looking forward to working with him and I’m excited to see the input he will have as a coach. We will be able to tailor training more towards individuals.”

Ibišević: "I feel like a Herthaner"

The former Bosnia and Herzegovina international was equally happy to be back at the ‘Old Lady’: “Once I knew that I was going to end my playing career, I had good conversations with the management at Hertha BSC, particularly with Fredi and Pál. This club has a special place in my heart after my time here. I feel like a Herthaner and I’m happy and thankful for this chance.”

Ibišević, who is fourth on the list of all-time foreign top goalscorers in the Bundesliga, experienced plenty in his five years at Hertha – including reaching the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal in 2016 and playing in the UEFA Europa League in 2017/18. He joined FC Schalke 04 at the start of last season, but both parties agreed to terminate his contract in December 2020. ‘Vedo’ also played for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, VfB Stuttgart and Alemannia Aachen in Germany, after previously spending time in France at Dijon FCO and Paris Saint-Germain. His career began in the US at Chicago Fire Premier and Saint Louis Billikens.