"The belief is there!"

Ahead of any Bundesliga match, statistics are brought up to try and form an idea of how the game will go. The number-crunchers have of course done the same for Hertha’s meeting with FC Augsburg on matchday seven, with a special focus on the Old Lady’s head coach; Bruno Labbadia has won an impressive eight out of his twelve Bundesliga meetings with Augsburg (one draw, three defeats). It would seem like the perfect opportunity, then, to put an end to Hertha’s winless run by picking up three points against Labbadia’s favourite opponents. “The belief is there that we are going to win matches, regardless of our current streak. We are gradually improving – we want to be compact in defence and brave going forward against Augsburg,” said the head coach, giving an insight into his tactical thoughts without completely ignoring the side’s form. “Ending the winless run would give our team even more confidence and belief!”

The international break looms large

Michael Preetz, meanwhile, gave his thoughts on the upcoming international break – already the third break of the young season. “The current word from FIFA is that players who would have to travel to high-risk areas during the international break do not have to be made available if local authorities state that they be required to quarantine,” explained Hertha’s managing director for sport. Preetz also clarified exactly what that means for the Berlin club: “If the local health department gives us similar instructions then we will react accordingly – like Werder Bremen did, for example. For us, though, the same rules are currently in place as during the last international break. We will therefore be making our players available, even though we do so with a heavy heart.”