We have to be much better

Even three days after the loss against 1. FC Köln, the mood around Schenckendorffplatz was a bit sad. Not surprisingly, the result last Saturday in the Olympiastadion was hard on the players. The Blue and Whites just seemed to lose their way over the course of the game against the ‘Geißböcke’. "We were just really bad, we made a lot of mistakes," said Vladimir Darida. But as bitter and disappointing as the encounter was, the Herthaner now have to look ahead again. The next important game is scheduled for Friday (28/02/20, 8.30 p.m.) when coach Alexander Nouri’s side go to Fortuna Düsseldorf. "We have to play much better there, and give everything for the three points. Somehow it is going better for us away from home this season," said the Czech, who scored in the 3-1 win in the first game at home against Fortuna.

The upcoming trip to the Rhineland will mean a return home for Dodi Lukébakio, after all, the attacker only made the switch from Fortuna to the Spree last summer. "It's special because I played there for a while and I have fond memories. Of course I'm looking forward to seeing the fans and my old teammates. Off the pitch it’ll be friendly, but on the pitch it’ll be all about getting the win," said the Belgian after the 90-minute session in the pouring rain. Alexander Nouri’s side was unfortunately unable to train at full strength. Pascal Köpke was missing due to an infection. Peter Pekarik, who had to drop out against Cologne for a short time because of calf problems, trained individually. As did Arne Maier after picking up a concussion in the game.

Congratulations to the Boyata family

Dedryck Boyata, on the other hand, was missing for a good reason: the central defender became a father for the first time as his wife gave birth to their son Gabriel Soan. There will be a weights session to start off with on Tuesday, which the new father will miss, but the other three will participate in, with a possible appearance this weekend not completely out of the question. After the non-public final training on Thursday, the players will travel to the Rhine - and hopefully continue the series of three away wins and four away games without defeat on Saturday.