“Seeking validation for our day-to-day work”
With the draw against TSG Hoffenheim last Sunday, our Blue-Whites achieved something that they had not done since the 2020/21 season: Going four consecutive games unbeaten in the Bundesliga. Captain Marvin Plattenhardt and co. however are still waiting for their first home win of the season. “It’s about working hard again on Sunday to put in a performance that validates our day-to-day work,” said head coach Sandro Schwarz ahead of the upcoming clash with SC Freiburg (09.10.22, 17:30) at the Olympiastadion. The game against the Breisgauers, however, will prove a tough task. This is because Christian Streich’s side are actually the only other side in the top division to have a longer undefeated run than Hertha. The Europa League participants have not lost in their last six games. “Freiburg have started the season really well and are extremely structured. They have also often played with the same starting eleven,” explained the 43-year-old. Herthabsc.com have summarised the most important aspects of the press conference ahead of matchday 9. Hertha’s head coach on...
... The opponent & the start to the season:
Sandro Schwarz: “Freiburg have started the season really well and are extremely structured. They have also often played with the same starting eleven. They are a team that defends well strongly and aggressively. They have good solutions going forward as well. We will have to prepared for that with the way we want to play against them. We’re not only aware of the quality they possess but also of what we ourselves have done on the pitch in recent weeks. Now it’s time to repeat that: To defend compactly and energetically, but also to switch at the right moments and be creative in possession.
… Wilfried Kanga & Agustín Rogel:
Sandro Schwarz: We’ve shown Willy what he already does well and where he has the potential to improve in one-on-one film sessions. He was back working on the training ground this week. Fundamentally, our confidence in Willy’s ability is huge. We don’t get the impression that he is seriously concerned with still being goalless. He is very hard-working, starts well, has some serious power to his game, as well as, great physicality. Agu will play against Freiburg. He’s already put in a decent performance against Hoffenheim when he came off the bench. How quickly he has settled in speaks volumes of the squad, really. Agu was courageous in the away game and had one or two very good recoveries. In addition, he brings a real calmness to our passing game. He has only confirmed that feeling all through training this week.
… Consistency & potential changes:
Sandro Schwarz: We’ve recently achieved a level of consistency, which tells you about the boys who have been playing for us regularly. But this intensity and consistency needs to be repeated week in, week out. In training, there’s been a good level of fun and intensity, even for those lads who haven’t got a huge amount of minutes in recent weeks. All in all, every individual needs to deliver their own performance, but in this respect there is a great understanding of the collective. The boys are handling their respective personal and sporting situations very well at the moment.
… The discrepancy between performances & results:
Sandro Schwarz: Looking back on our performances, perhaps we have left a few points behind in recent weeks. We’ve been very self-critical about it, even if there are different reasons regarding each game. Our ambition is obviously to win games. It’s about working hard again on Sunday to put in a performance that validates our day-to-day work. We want to do just that in front of our fans and a great atmosphere.