“Fight for the shirt”

Three days after his official unveiling and first training session with the team, Pál Dárdai spoke to the media again on Thursday afternoon ahead of Saturday’s (15:30 CEST) home game against SV Werder Bremen. The head coach discussed his first impressions of the side and his thoughts on the weekend’s clash. “It’s too early to talk about our system. The most important thing is that the players have confidence in each other and play with courage. The fans want a team that fights together for the shirt – and one that doesn’t get relegated,” said Dárdai, who also spoke about the importance of the fans’ support, togetherness and Saturday’s opponents. herthabsc.com have summarised what the head coach had to say. Pál Dárdai on…

Dárdai: A team does things as one, beginning with the warm-up. We trained a lot of duels and did two-months’ worth of heading (grins). We also focused on reading, winning and creating and working on the second ball as a team. Tuesday was a real and intense session, on Wednesday we did some defensive tactical work, while Thursday was attacking tactics. It was also important that, while we were all serious and professional, everyone was enjoying it and having fun. I also had to recognise which players are leaders and can direct the group as well as how long the concentration levels last. I made a note of six or seven players.

Dárdai: In 2015 we played with a 4-1-4-1 and in 2021 we used a back five. It’s too soon to talk about a system, but we can’t allow the opposition too much space at the front or the back. Every player has to be involved in our defensive block. Everyone is doing well in training, but that’s not what matters at the end of the day. The only things that count are the results, so we have to be a bit better mentally. The most important thing is that the players have confidence in each other and play with courage. I think, compared to in the past, we have some quicker players, but we also need to score goals. A thank you to Sandro Schwarz and his coaching team – the team is in good shape.

Dárdai: As a footballer, it always gives you a good feeling when the stadium is sold out. We need the Ostkurve and all of the home fans. The fans have always been behind us recently. I have a lot of respect for the way they have been in the difficult moments and how they have been patient and pushed us. It’s good, but we have to run more, have a better approach and show more aggression on the day. The fans want a team that fights together for the shirt and one that doesn’t get relegated.

Dárdai: We have a good team here that I can rely on. We’ve also taken a look at the opponents. I think a lot of Ole Werner and Werder Bremen, but the focus is on us. If we carry out well what we have planned, we will win the game. To do that, we have to be strong as a group. It doesn’t really matter that Werder have not been in great form recently.