“Not just the what, but also the how”

Changes of system, different moves, personnel changes. Lots of different things can happen tactically when Hertha play 90 minutes of Bundesliga football. Reacting to different situations and taking different approaches during games was a topic of conversation in Friday’s presser ahead of Sunday’s clash with Borussia Mönchengladbach (15:30 CET). “Regardless of the set-up, it’s not just the what, but also the how that’s important. Our system will have advantages and disadvantages based on the approach that our opponents take. We have looked to show our strengths on the break with our banks of three recently. Now we’re facing a team with a different way of playing,” explained Schwarz on Friday afternoon. Benjamin Weber was also present and he expressed his support for the head coach: “I can sense a focussed and concentrated team and Sandro and the coaching staff have my full backing. Even though we’ve had negative results of late, showing our support isn’t difficult to do because I can see how hard the players and staff are working,” said the sporting director. Here are the most important bits from Friday’s press conference:

Schwarz and Weber on…

Schwarz: We know there are important points at stake on Sunday and we need to be ready to put in a good performance. We have lots of faith in our players and we have used the training week to prepare to the best of our ability. Now we need to see it from the very first minute on Sunday! We need to start the game with more intensity and judge our options in terms of personnel carefully. It will be important to be aggressive in duels and make the most of the opportunities that follow.

Weber: I can sense a focussed and concentrated team and Sandro and the coaching staff have my full backing. Even though we’ve had negative results of late, showing our support isn’t difficult to do because I can see how hard the players and staff are working. We need to remain calm in every aspect but it’s also clear that we need to pick up points. We have the utmost faith in our coach and his team!

Schwarz:  Regardless of the set-up, it’s not just the what, but also the how that’s important. Our system will have advantages and disadvantages based on the approach that our opponents take. We have looked to show our strengths on the break with our banks of three recently. Now we’re facing a team with a different way of playing.

Schwarz: Of course we looked at the game between Borussia and Schalke. Gladbach also convincingly won their most recent away game and they are team that play good football and have lots of individual quality at their disposal. We are full of the necessary respect based on the strength of our opponents but we have to make sure the game is played on our terms from the start.