"We have to show a different side of us"

The anticipation built up after the longest winter break in Bundesliga history makes Hertha’s 3-1 defeat to Bochum all the more disappointing. The bottom line after matchday 16 of the 2022/23 season was a feeling of pure frustration. “We will have to analyse the game with no holds barred and pull our socks up, run, compete and show a different side of us. Here, it was completely dreadful,” said a disappointed Marco Richter. Maximilian Mittelstädt didn’t want to blame the defeat on the disallowed goal. “In my opinion, the Bochum player controlled the ball so it was another phase of play and the goal should have stood. It is frustrating but we have to take a look at ourselves.” herthabsc.com has summarised all the reaction to the game.

Marco Richter: We had a good training camp with good games, but here it was completely dreadful. Our goal was ruled out and after that we conceded the goals much, much too easily. We talked about this very clearly before the game. We will have to analyse the game with no holds barred and pull our socks up, run, compete and show a different side of us. We simply have to play better because we have proved that we can play better football. This is what we want to do next week with the support of our fans in the Olympiastadion!

Maximilian Mittelstädt: In my opinion, the Bochum player controlled the ball so it was another phase of play and the goal should have stood. It is frustrating but we have to take a look at ourselves. Bochum were effective, we weren’t. But, we have the chance on Tuesday to do better with our fans right behind us!

Oliver Christensen: When you go two goals behind in the first half it’s difficult. It was not good enough from us – to concede from a cross and a corner. We started well after half time but gave away a really poor goal. All in all, it was a balanced game that Bochum were more effective in. If the goal to put us in the lead had counted, it would have been a different game. In the end, we are standing here with a bad feeling and no points. We knew that we had to pick up points against a direct rival. But, it will do nothing to our self-confidence, we have to keep going and do better.