“I will watch the ‘Old Lady’ from Switzerland”

In the season finale, Hertha BSC lost 5-1 to Bayer 04 Leverkusen. There were also farewells to some big Hertha counterparts.

After a disappointing end to the season, the players gave their views on the game and on the departures of head coach Pál Dárdai and Fabian Lustenberger. “I am very proud that I was on the pitch today with Lusti and that I could play under Pál. It was excellent to see how the fans showed them both love and what they mean to Hertha BSC,” said Marko Grujić.

Fabian Lustenberger: It was very emotional. Already before the game, there was a farewell and also one after the game in front of the Ostkurve. It has been a long and beautiful time here that has come to an end. It will take some time for me to take it all in and for it to hit me. It was a shame that we lost today. In my opinion, we didn’t play as badly as the result suggested. Leverkusen were ice cold in the right moments. Hertha are well prepared for the future and will fight to keep improving. I will definitely follow the ‘Old Lady’ from Switzerland!

Maximilian Mittelstädt: Of course it is annoying that we lost so heavily today. Leverkusen just played really well. They controlled the possession well and deserved the victory. They have a superb team. Nevertheless, we still celebrated at the end and that showed how amazing our fans are. Pál and Lustenberger both deserved their farewells. They are two legends who gave everything to the club.

Marko Grujić: I am very proud that I was on the pitch today with Lusti and that I could play under Pál. It was excellent to see how the fans showed them both love and what they mean to Hertha BSC.I don’t know if that was my last game for the club or not. I have had good chats with the club and now we need to see what Liverpool have planned. We will now travel to the USA as a team and finish our long season there.

Valentino Lazaro: Lusti and Pál have been at the club for a long time. They both earned the superb farewell that they got today. On the game: We began well, conceded two sloppy goals. We didn’t play well in the second half. But like I said before, it was nice to give a good farewell and the fans did a great job.

Karim Rekik: The result was not good and we aren’t happy with it. For our head coach and Lusti, who have both played very important roles in the history of the club, we gave them a great send-off – that made the day better.  Personally, it is difficult to see them leave. When I came to Berlin two years ago, they made it really easy for me to settle here. Pál and Lusti are great people with big hearts and I will miss them!

Arne Maier: I went to Lusti straight after the game, took him in my arms and wished him the best of luck in with his future. When you have played at a club for twelve years and then leave, it is very emotional.