“Channel our emotions properly”

There is always increased tension when two Bundesliga teams meet that are next to each other in the table, even more so when it is at the foot of the table. The ‘Old Lady’ take on FC Schalke 04 for three crucial points under the light at the Gelsenkirchener Arena on Friday night (20:30 CEST). Three points that are important, but not decisive on their own, as Sandro Schwarz suggested in the press conference ahead of the game. “We know the situation in the table and where we’re starting from, but we have to focus on the way we play with seven games still ahead of us. Still, it is a very important game and an enormous chance. We need stability on the pitch, have to put up a fight and channel our emotions properly, said the head coach. Benjamin Weber also emphasised the important of these things. “I’m expecting a certain aggression from both sides. In such a heated atmosphere, it will be even more important to focus on ourselves and stay concentrated,” said Hertha’s sporting director. herthabsc.com has summarised what Schwarz and sporting director Benjamin Weber had to say on...

Sandro Schwarz: There is obviously tension, but this is also paired with a lot of anticipation ahead of a very emotional away game. We know the situation in the table and where we’re starting from, but we have to focus on the way we play with seven games still ahead of us. Still, it is a very important game and an enormous chance. We need stability on the pitch, have to put up a fight and channel our emotions properly.

Benjamin Weber: The team seem very focussed and concentrated. I’m expecting a certain aggression from both sides. In such a heated atmosphere, it will be even more important to focus on ourselves and stay concentrated.

Sandro Schwarz: We need aggression, have to hold up against them physically and can’t back down from 50:50 challenges, but it will also be important not to go too far and get carried away in the emotion of the game. Everyone is aware of this. We would prefer to use this anticipation to bring our footballing quality onto the pitch. You can see in the past two games that we were giving our all. We want to sense these feelings of togetherness again!

Sandro Schwarz: We want to put out an eleven on Friday that gives us the best chance of winning the game. Dodi Lukébakio will definitely be on the pitch. We have to find spaces where we can then best utilise his strengths, but he can’t win the game on his own. Fans, players, staff – we will only achieve safety together!

Sandro Schwarz: Schalke showed in the second half in Hoffenheim what has set them apart in the weeks before then. They don’t allow much space and are very aggressive. We need to be direct to find space against their man-marking. We have to use the possession that we have to create one-on-one situations and create a goalscoring threat!