"…then we can triumph as a team!"

At Friday’s press conference (27/11/20), Bruno Labbadia and Michael Preetz spoke about the week’s training and the challenge ahead in Leverkusen.

It’s one of professional football’s unwritten rules – the closer matchday gets, the more positive energy and focus there is from all those involved. Bruno Labbadia and Michael Preetz are no exception to the rule; at their press conference on Friday (27/11/20), the coach and director appeared to be both excited and fully-focused on the trip to the Rhineland. “We have used this week’s training well, to prepare as best we can for this match and also to work on the tactical side of things. The nut that we are trying to crack here is just as tough as Borussia Dortmund or Bayern right now,” said Labbadia, who must do without the injured Santiago Ascacíbar (muscle problem) and Jhon Córdoba (ankle injury) for the game against Bayer 04.

Even the toughest of nuts can be cracked on a good day, though, especially considering that the capital city club have already delivered some good performances away to top sides this season. “A lot will depend on how well we implement our ideas and how well we are able to create situations where we have the numerical advantage. We have to defend resolutely as a team and mark the men tightly. Only when every player does his job well will we be able to triumph as a team,” said the Hertha head coach. “A really polished team awaits us, one that is strong in attack and that will want to direct the run of play at their home stadium,” added Michael Preetz. While there was plenty of respect for the upcoming opponents, Preetz also mentioned ways that Hertha can to be successful at the weekend: “We have to defend with care, be active on the front foot ourselves and use the moments well when the ball is turned over.”