2. Bundesliga: Hertha active in the subjunctive: still have a few question marks

At second division soccer team Hertha BSC, coach Stefan Leitl has to deal with a lot of unknown variables even after a week of training. With possible new additions, which are now possible after the sales of top players Kennet Eichhorn, Fabian Reese and Michael Cuisance as well as eight other departures, the club is “still in the subjunctive,” as Leitl said after the 15-0 win at sixth division club Frohnauer SC in the first test match.

There are also “a few question marks” on the delivery side, said Leitl. “I think the names are known and we have to be prepared if something else happens.” In addition to Linus Gechter, Julian Eitschberger and Marton Dardai, the focus is particularly on goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, who is said to have two offers from Feyenoord Rotterdam and Celtic Glasgow. The 23-year-old accompanied the team on the polo field in Frohnau in a tracksuit, but was not supposed to be used from the start.

Eichhorn continues to be a role model even after leaving

Young star Eichhorn was also part of the team, which for Leitl was an expression of an excellent team structure – even without new additions: “He has now moved to one of the best clubs in Germany for a lot of money and he is watching the first game from his Hertha. I think that speaks for him and also speaks for how we have acted as a group in the past.”

Leitl, who sent two different formations onto the pitch in each half, fully focused on young talent with six academy players in the first half. The Berlin path must be continued given Berlin’s tight budget; four places in the professional squad are reserved for the young players.

Leitl praises high intensity

The 48-year-old coach is guided by the absolute performance principle: “It’s not like it’s set in stone that these players will stay with us permanently. Of course we want them to develop with us.”

The 19-year-old Kian Todorovic drew attention with three goals, but the young players in defense and midfield also knew how to impress. Leitl praised all 22 players: “For the first nine days without a real day off with a high level of intensity, it looked really good – as far as the physical component is concerned.” New arrivals should still come.

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