Scenario ahead of DFB cup

Monday saw Hertha start their preparations for the last 16 of the DFB cup against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, with Pal Dardai’s side looking to be ready for all eventualities.

Berlin - Special games needs special preparation and Wednesday’s game in Dortmund definitely belongs in that category.  The type of preparation that coach Dardai had prepared involved footballs. But not just any footballs, balls of different shapes that have the ability to bounce anywhere. “We did something to try and look at the reaction times of the players, definitely not a bad thing and the boys really enjoyed it,” explained Dardai.

Kalou misses out, Plattenhardt trains alone

Salomon Kalou, Marvin Plattenhardt and Alexander Baumjohann were all absent from training. Marvin spent his time running, while Kalou remained on the sidelines. “Marvin is definitely going to travel to Dortmund with us, but Salomon has a back problem and his chances are 50:50. He’s an experienced lad, if he says he can play he will play,” explained Dardai. 19 players will make the trip to Dortmund, where they will stay ahead of Saturday’s game in Gelsenkirchen with Schalke.

Options for all possible circumstances

He wants to work with the current squad. “We’ll rotate a little bit and maybe change things up in two or three positions. It wouldn’t make sense to change too much. We have a team that works well together and a system that fits,” believes Dárdai. But his other options could prove useful and he is prepared for all circumstances. “Niklas Stark and Per Skjelbred are fresh and rested. I have enough options even if it goes to extra time and we can bring a fourth player on,” the coach revealed.

 Whether or not the match lasts 90 minutes, 120 minutes or more, it is clear to everyone that it will not just be a special match, it will also be a difficult one. “We have a challenge ahead of us but we will go into this game with confidence after the win against Ingolstadt and we’re looking forward to it,” said Rune Almenning Jarstein. Maximilian Mittelstädt also knows what is needed for this match. “We have to put in a determined, team performance. Everyone has to work for each other so that we can iron out mistakes. Then we will have a chance in Dortmund, said the youngster, who will be training behind closed doors with his teammates on Tuesday and will then fly to Dortmund.

Training in the Ruhr

Dárdai’s team will remain in the Ruhr after the cup game to concentrate on their next Bundesliga fixture against Schalke on Saturday, 11th February (18:30 CET).