“Work hard and fight together”
As disappointing as the defeat in Leipzig was, the strategy going into the start of training this week ahead of the home match against SC Freiburg (2nd October, 15:30 CEST) has become even clearer: work hard and do better. This has been the overarching message over the last few days at Schenkendorffplatz, and Pál Dárdai discussed this at his press conference on Thursday: “We need to continue to work hard and consistently after matches against top teams and implement what we do in training into our game, and then we will be in good stead to pick up the three points.” Sporting director Fredi Bobic, also at the press conference, added: “If we work hard and fight together then good fortune will come our way!” The duo answered questions from the media on...
... the squad:
Pál Dárdai: If Deyovaisio Zeefuik and Dedryck Boyata continue to train as they have been, we’ll have two more important options at our disposal. Stevan Jovetić will also be able to play a half, but we’ll have to take it step by step when it comes to Krzysztof Piątek. Of course, if we sub him on and he manages to score the winner then that would be wonderful.
... what the team have worked on in training this week:
Pál Dárdai: This week we focused on staying compact, communication on the pitch and supporting each other. The boys worked well and it got nice and loud. Things are looking good, and now we just need to implement it this weekend against Freiburg!
... the upcoming opponent
Fredi Bobic: I have huge respect for SC Freiburg. They are a very clinical side with an established core within the squad and they are a great example of how a team should act. The team has an intensive playing style and everyone knows their role and responsibilities. It’s no surprise that they are unbeaten so far this season. They’ve worked really hard, but Freiburg are not an unbeatable team, and that has to be our aim.
...the game against Freiburg:
Pál Dárdai: We want to make progress and make everyone who supports Hertha BSC proud. Of course we want to win at the weekend but I don't wish to put any additional pressure on the players. We need to continue to work hard and consistently following matches against top teams and implement what we do in training into our game, and then we will be in good stead to pick up three points.
Fredi Bobic: The team needs to show they can put up a fight and be resistant, which they have already done this season. The players' body language on the pitch is important. No one is ever pleased when a game goes like it did in Leipzig, but we all want to see the lads respond well after a defeat - it helps make up for the weekend before. If we work hard and fight together then good fortune will come our way!