Composure and cohesiveness

Paderborn/Berlin – The journey through the Mixed Zone and interviews with journalists are part and parcel of every post-Bundesliga match experience for the players, particularly if they’ve managed to have an impact on the game in question. That was definitely the case for Matheus Cunha during Hertha’s 2-1 win at Paderborn on Saturday (15.02.20). The Brazilian played a key role in setting up the winning goal with a back-heel effort as he made his debut for the Blue-Whites. Interviews with Hertha’s new number 26 were in hot demand following the match. “It was a really great debut for me. I’m very, very, happy,” a smiling Cunha told journalists. “The current situation is not an easy one for the club, and it was a difficult game which is why it’s so important that we managed to win.”

Just how important the win was for the team was also evident in Karim Rekik’s reaction, who gave his teammate a pat on the back as he passed by in the Mixed Zone. “The win today helped us take an important step away from the danger zone,” the Dutchman said. “It could have gone either way, but we’re happy that we won!” Alexander Nouri, who made his head coaching debut on the day, was equally as pleased with the result. “I have to praise the team, as they were willing to take on the fight today,” said the head coach. At the end of a topsy-turvy week for the Blue-Whites, Nouri listed composure and pragmatism as the keys to success. “This week was full of disruptions, which is why it was good for us that we remained focused and prepared for the match like we would for any other game,” said Nouri. “We really wanted to win this game – I think that was evident for everyone watching.”

Pekarik impresses on his comeback

Nouri and his coaching staff had made four changes to the starting lineup ahead of the game. Among others, Peter Pekarik returned to make his first appearance in 307 days, and delivered a strong performance. “I’m happy to have contributed to this win. I’ve known the boys for a long time now and we play together every day in training – everyone knows that I’m always ready when they might need me,” said the Slovakian. Hertha’s number 2 and his teammates were called upon to remain strong on defence, before Dedryck Boyata handed the Herthaner the lead in the tenth minute. Hertha nearly doubled their lead minutes later, but Cunha’s goal was disallowed due to an apparent handball from Krzysztof Piątek (18’).

Overall, the Old Lady played well, only allowing Paderborn’s Pröger a chance shortly before the break, which Per Skjelbred managed to clear. However, after the break it was Paderbon who would be celebrating an early goal. Rune Jarstein managed to get a hand on Srbeny’s shot but redirected it into his own goal (51’). “Conceding the equaliser was frustrating, I’m still not sure how that happened – I’m so sorry for how it happened,” said the Norwegian, although none of his teammates would fault him for the goal. The travelling fans also showed their support for their ‘keeper after the game as they serenaded Jarstein with cheers.

Cunha with a bit of magic, Torunarigha saves

It took the Herthaner a bit of time to find another go-ahead goal. After Piątek’s header missed the net, and Cunha’s shot was saved by Paderborn’s Zingerle, the Brazilian’s next effort would find its way into the back of the net. In the midst of some chaos in the Paderborn box, Cunha’s back-heel effort was heading towards goal. Jamilu Collins attempted to clear it but instead redirected it into his own net (67’). The hosts responded by increasing the pressure up front, to which Nouri reacted by shoring up the Hertha defence by replacing a banged up Niklas Stark with fresh legs in the form of Jordan Torunarigha. Hertha’s number 25 came up big in the 79th minute as Torunarigha timed a slide tackle perfectly and prevented Vasiliadis from breaking through. Three minutes later, Jarstein made a save on a long-range attempt from Pröger. Paderborn threw everything they had up front, but the Hertha defence were able to remain strong.

“We showed a strong spirit, both the players on the pitch and on the bench were fully behind each other, which helped us out,” said Stark. “You could see that we playing more compact.” The vice-captain also echoed his coach in referring to the pragmatism on show by the Blue-Whites. “We just need to do our jobs and put in the effort,” said Stark. Hertha’s next challenge awaits, as Köln travel to the Olympiastadion next Saturday (22.02.20, 15:30 CET). “We’re in the midst of a crucial period,” said Stark. “Our next few Rückrunde games are very important, and are all that matters.”