“It feels like a fresh start!"

Berlin – Video chats are more popular than ever in these times of the Corona crisis. Particularly in sports journalism, as it gives players and journalists the chance to discuss the current events. However, at the same time, they are still a new and unusual experience for seasoned players such as Vedad Ibisevic. “It’s exciting,” says the captain as he greets the media. Ibisevic is quickly asked about his new head coach Bruno Labbadia, whom he has already previously spent a successful spell together with at VfB Stuttgart. “I’m delighted to be able to work together with Bruno again. As a former striker he helped me a lot back then; I learnt a lot from him and developed myself as a player,” Hertha’s number 19 looks back on his time under Labbadia, with the forward scoring 38 goals and proving 13 assists in his 70 appearances he spent with his new head coach.  

“His style of football requires a lot of effort from everyone; he demands a lot. But if we get it right, it can be a lot of fun,” said the Bosnian. The Darmstadt native and his coaching staff have “developed even further” since their time together. “I had already suspected it and was looking forward to it. They have new ideas and solutions, which we will definitely be able to benefit from, as well as a clear tactical philosophy and an ability to adapt,” said Ibisevic, who emphasised even further, “As a guy, Bruno has always stayed true to himself. He’s a hard and disciplined worker with a clear plan that will help us.”

Returning to the training ground is a “step forward. I’ve missed football!”

Ibisevic himself also wants to help. The attacker is happy to be able to train with his teammates again. “It feels like a fresh start; I’m excited to see how we go from here. It’s definitely a step forward after the time spent at home and without the ball; I’ve missed football. Of course it’s a bit of a pain that we can’t have any contact, but there are still enough things that we can do,” the ‘Vedator’ smiles. The main thing is that we can kick a ball!”

Lots of people are hoping that we will be able to play competitively again soon. “I think it would be a positive thing for the society if we were able to play again. Football is a part of it and it could do people a lot of good,” said the striker. “But of course there are other things that are important and have to be taken into account.” The prospect of returning to normality is one of the things that are currently driving players like Vedad Ibisevic. Playing behind closed doors would be a necessary evil for the veteran, who has experienced it before playing for Stuttgart against Lazio in Rome. “The game wasn’t fun; it’s different without any fans, an important part of it was missing. But I would prefer to play like that than to sit on my exercise bike at home,” emphasised the captain. “My ambition is still there!”