“We can only do this together!”
Derbies are defined by emotion – both on the pitch and in the stands. Another key thing about derby games is the media interest they bring, and the Berlin derby is one which electrifies an entire city. It was clear to see head coach Felix Magath’s excitement ahead of his first home game on the bench at the Olympiastadion. “Finally – a full house and the proper atmosphere for football. You can’t be anything other than pumped up for this game!” said Magath in his press conference on Friday. The head coach and his team will build on the passionate support from the sold-out stands: “It’s all about the club. We can only get out of this tough situation together: we need support from everyone. The players have the will to win, but a little bit of their self-belief is missing. The support the fans will give them should make it a bit easier to put in a top performance.” Fredi Bobic asked for clear focus on Saturday’s game. “If we do what we need to, then it won’t matter what they do. Every win helps us a lot, and a derby victory will definitely give us a lot of energy.” All the latest from the director of sport and head coach is, as ever, here on herthabsc.com.
Felix Magath and Fredi Bobic on...
... working with the team:
Felix Magath: The team ran more than 124 kilometres in Leverkusen – that shows you how much they want to do well. At the moment they just can’t do it because they don’t have that little bit of confidence. My work here is, of course, to do with psychology as well as football and tactics, and now it’s only about taking weight off the players’ minds so that they can play at their best. We’re on the right track with that.
... the support of the fans:
Felix Magath: Finally – a full house and the proper atmosphere for football. You can’t be anything other than pumped up for this game! The only thing that counts is what I said in my first conference after joining the club: It’s all about the Hertha BSC – it’s all about the club. We can only get out of this tough situation together: we need support from everyone, and thank heavens that the fans can come back. I’d like to ask them to give their all, of course. The players have the will to win, but a little bit of their self-belief is missing. The support the fans will give them should make it a bit easier to put in a top performance.
Fredi Bobic: The team has worked very, very well, and maturely. The players have the will to do well, but have just made too many mistakes and got themselves into predicaments that way. Despite everything, they have to cope with the pressure – they know that. They’ll get a push from our fans, and I’m 100% sure the game will be different to the DFB-Pokal tie.
... the importance of the derby:
Felix Magath: It’s all about the points for me, but I know how it is to be a fan in a city that’s home to two clubs. A derby has a much bigger significance for the fans, of course. When you haven’t had a great season, a win against your local rivals will do a lot to raise spirits. The players know that, and I’m expecting us to be fully committed in our game.
... the opposition:
Felix Magath: Union’s game is defined by mentality, and each of the players in their team possesses this mentality. Their approach is pretty clear: Urs Fischer will tell them to put the pressure on from the very start, but we’re prepared for that and I think we can handle it. We have chances to win the game!
... the current form:
Fredi Bobic: Could’ve, should’ve, would’ve – we’re not looking at the table, just at ourselves. If we do what we need to, then it won’t matter what they do. Every win helps us a lot, and a derby victory will definitely give us a lot of energy. Our team needs embrace the atmosphere of a full stadium, work hard and at the end of the day, win.