“We know that it’s only one goal”
The first leg of the relegation play-off between Hertha BSC and Hamburger SV was a tight affair, despite the 2. Bundesliga side having a 1-0 lead going into the second game on Monday (20:30 CEST). There was a mixed mood amongst the Blue-Whites after full-time of a hard-fought game. One the one hand, there was disappointment with the defeat, but on the other, the knowledge that everything is still possible. “It’s tough to lose such an important game to such a freak goal, but despite everything, we know that it’s only one goal – we would have had to win in Hamburg even if the game ended in a draw. We know we have the quality to see it through,” explained a determined Marc Kempf. Niklas Stark reflected his teammate’s sentiment: “We need to stay positive, because everything is still up for grabs. Monday’s game will be a final for us, so we need to give our all – we will do just that,” said our number 5. All the latest reaction from the game is here at herthabsc.com.
Marc Kempf: It was a game of few chances over the 90 minutes. Hamburg scored the goal, even if it was lucky for them that the cross went in. Olli could do nothing about it. It’s tough to lose such an important game to such a freak goal, but despite everything, we know that it’s only one goal – we would have had to win in Hamburg even if the game ended in a draw. We know we have the quality to see it through, even if we didn’t show it in this game. We need to be more clear and precise on the ball in the second leg, and more confident in the final third.
Niklas Stark: We played on the front foot, but just lost the ball too quickly. We need to talk about that and analyse it. Despite everything, it’s still only 1-0 – there are 90 minutes to go. We need to stay positive, because everything is still up for grabs in Hamburg. Monday’s game will be a final for us, so we need to give our all – we will do just that. My time here isn’t over just yet, but I’m very thankful for it. It was important for me to go over to the fans and say my goodbyes to them.
[>]It’s still only 1-0 – there are 90 minutes to go. We need to stay positive, because everything is still up for grabs in Hamburg.[<]
Oliver Christensen: It wasn’t an easy game for me, because I’ve played so little this season. The goal we conceded was a tough one. I’m not sure if I was standing too far forward or not. Of course, we wanted a better result, but we have the second leg on Monday where we can still turn it around.