“We can’t start again from zero, but we can have a fresh start!”

Michael Preetz spoke to Sky and Sport1 about Bruno Labbadia’s first week in charge and a possible continuation of the season.

Berlin – As the Sporting Director of Hertha BSC, Michael Preetz is one of the faces of the capital city club and therefore an important representative for the media. However, Sunday 19th April was the first time that the Director had spoken in two different TV channel broadcasts on the same day about the current situation at the club. Preetz spoke to both Sky Sport News HD and Sport1 about Bruno Labbadia’s first week in charge, investor Lars Windhorst and a possible continuation of the season.

Michael Preetz on…

…the special training conditions in Bruno Labbadia’s first week in charge: Above all, we adhere to the regulations of the political and health authorities. We decide how we will train under the restrictions on a weekly basis, however they can change every week. But all 36 professional clubs have the same problem; there’s no blueprint. Bruno is in an extraordinary situation because he’s taking over in a period where the coaching staff have to be really creative. For all of us it’s about accepting the situation, ensuring we prepare in the best possible way within the restrictions and making sure the team are in an optimal physical condition. You can also work on preparing the team mentally for what might happen, such as playing without any fans or atmosphere. We’re happy to be able to work on the pitch again and hope that the scope of training opportunities will increase over the coming weeks.

…the reasons behind appointing the new head coach: In our discussions we had the feeling right from the start that Bruno would be the right coach for Hertha BSC at this moment in time. Therefore, due to the current situation, we believed that now was the right time, rather than in the summer. It’s about stabilisation; Bruno and his team are spreading the feeling that we can take a deep breath and focus on the essentials. He radiates optimism, is excited about the task ahead and has started off with a high level of commitment and passion from him and his team. We have a very good feeling that we’ve made the right decision and can now start afresh. We can’t start again from zero, but we can have a fresh start. The boys need to regroup, and the break is a chance for Bruno to get across his ideas. It allows the coach to get to know the team and have an influence on the decisions ahead of the new season. Bruno has an air of optimism and has already proven throughout his career that he can set-up a team, inspire confidence and take them to the next level.

…Labbadia’s short- and long-term goals: Bruno Labbadia suits the style of football that we want to see here in Berlin; more aggressive, attacking football than before. Developing the players and adapting the team to this style of play will be exciting to see from Bruno and his staff. Before that, however, we first want to get through this difficult period and the last few games together, avoid the risk of relegation and use the summer to set ourselves up for a much better season next year. Our aim is to get ourselves into a position to fight for the European places, however we’ve said from the beginning that we have to take it one step at a time and that these things take time. In terms of the new season, we would like to set goals that are closer to these long-term objectives. Of course we would also like to achieve this sooner; we are dreaming of Europe in Berlin.

…Arne Friedrich’s role: I am in constant contact with Arne regarding this. I would be delighted if he stayed with us beyond the end of the season. Our discussions are ongoing but have not yet been concluded. This will happen over the next few weeks and we will come to a mutual decision.

…communications with investor Lars Windhorst and his involvement in the current situation: We are in regular contact and he was happy with our decision regarding the new head coach. It goes without saying that you remain in constant contact with someone who invests so much money into the club. We’re communicating even more than usual at the moment because we are observing how the Coronavirus is affecting us and the industry, and evaluating what possible steps we will have to take. We are also considering the possibility of making additional funds available at this time. In any case, his involvement allows us to remain optimistic about dealing with the effects of the pandemic. He stands by Hertha BSC and would of course love to see us back playing again soon.

…continuing the season behind closed doors: Just like all football lovers, it isn’t a scenario that I can warm to. However, it has to be said that, in order for the league to continue and to ensure the survival of the clubs, it’s almost inevitable that we will have to play without any fans. All 36 Bundesliga clubs have agreed that, if it is possible from a health perspective, the season should be finished by 30th June. At the moment it only looks like this would be possible if we play behind closed doors, and in the case I am absolutely in favour of it because it is extremely important for the league that we finish the season.

…a postponement of the summer break and the impacts on new signing Lucas Tousart: In order to ensure fair competition, you have to say that at least all of Europe’s top five leagues want to finish the season. This can of course happen at a later date than 30th June. In this case I think it is correct to extend contracts until the end of the season. This would mean that Tousart would come to Berlin a bit later. We just have to take it as it is.