“It’s great to have more energy on show”
A relatively short journey south for a match under the floodlights on Saturday night – Hertha’s trip to Leipzig has all the ingredients for an exciting evening of football. The Blue-Whites are on the hunt for a sixth consecutive match unbeaten, and will look to close the head-to-head gap against their opponents on Saturday. The mood in camp ahead of the game was generally positive, felt Sandro Schwarz: “We’ve noticed that recently. It’s great to have more energy on show and that people are recognising our work. Our message is to keep working hard and being greedy, and to win matches like that,” the head coach said. That message remains the same for this weekend’s clash in Leipzig, against a side in the UEFA Champions League. “Leipzig can do everything. Their team is very active and can counter quickly with deep runs. We will have to be on top form defensively,” said Schwarz. All the latest from the pre-match presser is here on herthabsc.com.
Sandro Schwarz on…
… his expectations for Saturday:
Sandro Schwarz: I’m seeing the team be very active in training. There will be periods of the game on Saturday where we’ll have to defend in a low block, but we can never allow ourselves to be passive. To be fair, I’ve never known these lads to be passive. I feel like the team are giving this challenging game respect, but aren’t nervous. We hope to put in a brave performance in Leipzig.
… the approach for the game:
Schwarz: It was important to analyse every part of the opposition’s game. Leipzig can do everything. Their team is very active and can counter quickly with deep runs. We will have to be on top form defensively, need a top performance in general and will have to have consistency and bravery both on and off the ball. The main thing, though, is that we won’t just be satisfied with a draw. We always want to perform the best we can.
… the mood in camp:
Schwarz: We’ve noticed the change in mood recently. It’s great to have more energy on show and that people are recognising our work. We’re gaining confidence with every game. Our hope is to keep working hard and being greedy, and to win matches like that.
… togetherness within the team and the rest of the club:
Schwarz: I’ve been delighted with the way the team has reacted to certain situations, like Oliver Christensen after his game on Saturday. It was fantastic to see. It’s normal within this group for everyone to stick behind each other and support one another – the players have to be there for each other!