Heading towards Europa

Hertha started preparing themselves in training for their final match of the season against Bayer Leverkusen this Saturday (25/05/17) at the Olympic Stadium. Fabian Lustenberger also joined in the action.

The players have had some time to recover from their 2-0 away victory over Darmstadt on Saturday and there were no signs of any side effects or fatigue in training today (16/05/17). There were smiles all round as Hertha set their minds on the home fixture against Leverkusen. “A win would be a quite special result. We are working calmly,” said a cheerful Pál Dárdai. “We must make sure that we aren’t looking at what is happening around us. We are in a tunnel heading towards the light. We can do this without having to rely on others,” the Hungarian added. He was of course referring to the prospect of qualifying for the Europa League which a win would ensure.

Fabian Lustenberger was able to take part in training once again for the first time since his injury. Indeed he impressed in a small-sided five on five game and looking sharp and in decent condition. However he certainly won’t be strutting his stuff on Saturday as he is not an option for the Leverkusen match.

Optimistic about Stark and Skjelbred

The Hertha head coach still has hopes for Stark and Skjelbred, who trained individually on Thursday. “We’re hopeful about Per and we will see if he is able to join in first-team training on Thursday but we won’t be risking anything,” insisted Dardai. Things are also looking good for Stark: “If everything goes to plan, Niklas will be back in training on Wednesday. He will probably be able to play against Leverkusen,” said Dárdai on his defensive maestros, both of whom were in action until the 80^th minute last weekend.

Dárdai still has many other players he can turn to at the back if needed such as Jordan Torunarigha as well as Sebastian Langkamp and John Anthony Brooks, who both return after suspensions. “It is fantastic that I now have three good centre-backs. We will be watching them throughout the week,” said Dárdai. “Things have to work so that we win. We want to find the best solution, it is about Hertha BSC as a club,” he insisted.