"Hertha BSC is a springboard"

As the training camp comes to a close, Michael Preetz discussed the youth academy, the new signings, and Marvin Plattenhardt. The Hertha CEO also touched on the club’s further transfer plans.

Back from his much-deserved holiday, Hertha’s CEO Michael Preetz headed straight for Neuruppin, the first of two summer training camps. From the 12th to 18th July, Pál Dárdai’s squad have been toiling away in Brandenburg, laying the foundations for next season. Preetz watched their preparations from the shadows and cultivated a good impression of the state of the first team. “Everyone worked at a high level. We can look back on the training camp very positively because the conditions were terrific, we were made to feel completely at home”, he explained. Before his departure, the 50-year-old faced the press and talked about a range of topics, including…

… David Selke’s injury: It certainly put a bit of a dampner on the training camp. He went in for a tackle like every football does, normally without such consequences. But Davie was just unlucky, so it’s a bitter pill to swallow – for him and for us too. We have to thank our medical team again for acting so quickly and efficiently. They made it clear that surgery is the best option for a swift recovery. He will therefore need a bit of time to return to his best.

… possible alternatives: We have made a real effort to keep every position double-staffed. So there are a few candidates up front. Vedad Ibisevic is of course back at the forefront of our focus. At the end of the day, it’s all up to the coach.

… further transfer plans: We are monitoring the state of the market, which will shift a bit after the World Cup. If an interesting player crops up, we’ll consider going after them. We know exactly what we what to do. Davie’s injury does not affect our plans at all.

… Marvin Plattenhardt: Marvin is an international player and the World Cup was certainly a career highlight for him, despite the underwhelming result. He plied his trade on a vast stage and made himself known to the world. If he wants a new challenge and his wishes suit all parties, then we’ll discuss it together. If not, then we’ll leave it.

… the new signings: For the lads, Hertha BSC is above all a springboard to becoming an established Bundesliga player. Several youngsters have proven that with us. Javairo Dilrosun is a good example. He had a lot of interested parties around Europe, but he went for us because he would get game time. This is the next step for Pascal Köpke, too, who has worked incredibly hard. Lukas Klünter’s development seems to have reached a plateau, but we’re still convinced by his quality. Ideally, both club and player profit from this trust and he’ll write a great piece of history for us to tell for years to come.

… The A-Junior Champions in the squad: Our approach is not totally orthodox. We take on youth players into the squad at a relatively young age. Obviously, we can’t keep everyone in the team immediately, so we will be reducing the squad after Neuruppin. It’s important to be patient. The door is always open and everyone will have the opportunity to prove themselves. Everyone was focused at the training camp, there was not one dip in performance. I can only complement the lads.

… Fabian Lustenberger and Per Skjelbred: Both are long-standing Hertha stalwarts and important players. They will continue to be so over the coming season, even though it will mark the final year of their current contracts. As we progress, we will make a decision about their future. They are well aware of this and are highly valued by the club.

… Ondrej Duda: I really hope that he finally becomes an important feature in the team. He has amazing qualities, different to anyone else in the squad. His first two years did not go to plan due to a variety of reasons. He is currently making a very good impression. It will be hugely important for him to maintain this momentum from the pre-season into the competitive campaign.

… the ambitions for the new season: We will disclose our concrete goals when the whole squad is here. But of course we want to see improvement, especially in attack. We need to find ways of creating more goalscoring chances at home and of playing more attractive football. Meanwhile, we want to keep our compact defensive shape, which is not as easy as it sounds. Of course, points are the priority. Last season saw an open competition and I fully expect 2018/19 to deliver the same opportunities for the taking.