Preparing for Köln
Preparing for Köln
Berlin – The Hertha players still had smiles on their faces three days after the home victory against Borussia Dortmund. “We obviously want to maintain that confidence from this game but we are only thinking about our next opponents,” said Pál Dárdai ahead of Saturday’s clash at 1. FC Köln.
Trio having a rest
Salomon Kalou, Sebastian Langkamp and Mitchell Weiser were all feeling it after the important win at the weekend. The trio sat out training to be on the safe side and took a rest. Weiser has some issues with his ankle as well as his shoulder. “We’re giving him a break for now. I hope that he will be able to train before our next game,” said Dárdai. Kalou has a muscle problem in his hamstring but is expected to return to training shortly, perhaps even by Wednesday. The same also goes for Langkamp. “Basti is still recovering from his knock to the head,” said the head coach. Sinan Kurt completed some individual work. The 20-year-old warmed up with the team and went on to do an intensive session with fitness coach Henrik Kuchno.
Overcoming poor away form
Dárdai was clear on the aim for the match in Cologne as well as the rest of the season. “We are approaching every match from now until the end of the season with the goal of winning, obviously without being arrogant,” announced the coach. When the club from the capital take on the Bundesliga’s seventh-placed side, it will be about getting over their poor away form. “We are training normally this week. There are no easy ways to do it, we need to work hard as always,” he said.
The team will have training on Wednesday at 10:00 CET and 15:00 CET as well as a session on Thursday and Friday behind closed doors. “We need to have the right levels of concentration and desire to play at our maximum. If we can do that, we’ll get points,” said an optimistic Dárdai. More wins like the one at the weekend will surely mean more smiles on the players’ faces in the weeks ahead.