Five absent from Wednesday training

Five Hertha players sat out training on Tuesday, which was watched by Bulgarian legend Krassimir Balakow.

Berlin- There was a special guest at training on Wednesday amongst the onlookers who was able to sprinkle a bit of magic in the Schenckendorffplatz training pitch under the grey sky. Krassimir Balakow, once part of Vfl Stuttgart’s magic triangle of players with Fredi Bobic and Giované Elber, was in attendance to watch Pál Dárdai’s club train. “He wanted to get to know our game and we swapped opinions,” said Dárdai. “We have not won away from home in a while, maybe he can offer us a few tips,” added the Hertha boss, laughing. “I have known him for quite a while, I have played against him and he is a fantastic sportsman,” said Dárdai of today’s guest.

Quintet sit out

There was a fair amount on show for the first training session of the week, as Dárdai put 20 players through a 90 minute long session as well as discussing tactics. Vedad Ibisevic, Alexander Esswein, Fabian Lustenberger, Jordan Torunarigha and Alexander Baumjohann were however absent. “Vedad is still carrying a knock from the weekend, but he will be back on Thursday,” explained the head coach. Esswein and Torunarigha have infections, while Baumjohann has tonsillitis. “Essi is having a blood test and if the results are good he will be back soon.” Lustenberger is hampered by a groin issue.

Weiser an option for Dortmund

The first full session of the week will also be the last one open to the public, with Thursday and Friday’s sessions taking place behind closed doors before Dortmund arrive in the capital for Saturday afternoon’s match. The plan is clear; “We have to play like we did in the Cup and the reverse fixture, at our very best,” said Dárdai and the boss will look to build his team in preparation for that. “We play better if we come out of the blocks confidently, moving the ball around if players are open and keeping the play flowing. I have missed that lately.” One man who might be involved on Saturday is Mitchell Weiser, who should be ready to make the squad against Dortmund and possibly even return to the field. “He will get a 30 minute run,” said Dárdai, perhaps towards the end of the game, but I will speak to him about that.”

Berlin- There was a special guest at training on Wednesday amongst the onlookers who was able to sprinkle a bit of magic in the Schenckendorffplatz training pitch under the grey sky. Krassimir Balakow, once part of Vfl Stuttgart’s magic triangle of players with Fredi Bobic and Giované Elber, was in attendance to watch Pál Dárdai’s club train. “He wanted to get to know our game and we swapped opinions,” said Dárdai. “We have not won away from home in a while, maybe he can offer us a few tips,” added the Hertha boss, laughing. “I have known him for quite a while, I have played against him and he is a fantastic sportsman,” said Dárdai of today’s guest.

Quintet sit out

There was a fair amount on show for the first training session of the week, as Dárdai put 20 players through a 90 minute long session as well as discussing tactics. Vedad Ibisevic, Alexander Esswein, Fabian Lustenberger, Jordan Torunarigha and Alexander Baumjohann were however absent. “Vedad is still carrying a knock from the weekend, but he will be back on Thursday,” explained the head coach. Esswein and Torunarigha have infections, while Baumjohann has tonsillitis. “Essi is having a blood test and if the results are good he will be back soon.” Lustenberger is hampered by a groin issue.

Weiser an option for Dortmund

The first full session of the week will also be the last one open to the public, with Thursday and Friday’s sessions taking place behind closed doors before Dortmund arrive in the capital for Saturday afternoon’s match. The plan is clear; “We have to play like we did in the Cup and the reverse fixture, at our very best,” said Dárdai and the boss will look to build his team in preparation for that. “We play better if we come out of the blocks confidently, moving the ball around if players are open and keeping the play flowing. I have missed that lately.” One man who might be involved on Saturday is Mitchell Weiser, who should be ready to make the squad against Dortmund and possibly even return to the field. “He will get a 30 minute run,” said Dárdai, perhaps towards the end of the game, but I will speak to him about that.”