"Wins are irreplaceable"

Success stories make the working day an awful lot easier – far from a new phenomenon, but an ever-reoccurring reality in the world of football. Not only did Hertha’s victory in the Berlin city derby against Union last Friday night improve the mood at the club significantly, but it also had a direct impact on the team’s training sessions in preparation for Saturday’s away game in Mönchengladbach. "This win was obviously a step forward for us. Every win, but especially derby wins, make for a more relaxed atmosphere and liberate the players somewhat. This is what we always say: Wins are irreplaceable," said head coach Bruno Labbadia during Thursday’s press conference. He and his players want to carry that energy into the next game against Borussia Mönchengladbach. "This game poses a really interesting challenge for us. Gladbach are playing outstandingly, but we obviously want to take another step in the right direction ourselves."

"This deserves our respect and recognition"

Despite the wind in Hertha’s sails, Saturday’s game against a team among the best 16 in Europe will be anything but easy. "Gladbach are having a spectacular season in the Champions League – it really is a fantastic achievement to survive such a tough group and go through to the knockouts. This deserves our respect and recognition. It’s great, no doubt about it," said Michael Preetz, praising the Old Lady’s Matchday 11 opponents.