"Football is driven by energy, dynamism and commitment”

Returning head coach Pál Dárdai and sporting director Arne Friedrich faced the media for the first time on Tuesday (26/01/21). The new pair highlighted the importance of energy and enthusiasm.

It’s a packed schedule for Pál Dárdai back at Hertha. Only an hour on from his first Schenkendorffplatz training session, the returning boss took a seat in the media room for the first time since 16th May 2019. The 44-year-old was as engaging as ever in the first press conference of his second spell in charge. Dárdai came out all guns blazing and said that he wants to let his actions do the talking, rather than words: "If we work hard together then I am absolutely convinced that we can do something special. The break has done me good, the batteries are full and I am really looking forward to the tough task that lies ahead,” said the Hungarian, underlining his eagerness to get going. Hertha’s record appearance holder is focused firmly on the here and now and the new coach does not want to set any long-term goals on his first day in the job. "Football is driven by energy, dynamism and commitment, not just by beauty. Our team has a lot of quality, especially in forward areas. We have to see what we can change in a short space of time. I will be working meticulously with the team,” said Dárdai.

Friedrich’s first press conference

Alongside the head coach sat Arne Friedrich. The sporting director, who took over main responsibility for the club’s sporting affairs on Monday (25/01/21), was attending his first ever press conference as a Hertha board member. The 82-time Germany international described the change in his role to the virtually assembled media: “Obviously a few things have changed for me in the last few days. Having main responsibility is a big deal and not something I expected to have, but I will give it everything that I’ve got. I have some great people around me who I can rely on. Obviously I will be making the decisions, but I am really grateful for the help and support,” said the 41-year-old.

It’s a packed schedule for Pál Dárdai back at Hertha. Only an hour on from his first Schenkendorffplatz training session, the returning boss took a seat in the media room for the first time since 16th May 2019. The 44-year-old was as engaging as ever in the first press conference of his second spell in charge. Dárdai came out all guns blazing and said that he wants to let actions do the talking, rather than words: "If we work hard together then I am absolutely convinced that we can do something special. The break has done me good, the batteries are full and I am really looking forward to the tough task that lies ahead,” said the Hungarian, underlining his eagerness to get going. Hertha’s record appearance holder is focused firmly on the here and now and the new coach does not want to set any long-term goals on his first day in the job. "Football is driven by energy, dynamism and commitment, not just by beauty. Our team has a lot of quality, especially in forward areas. We have to see what we can change in a short space of time. I will be working meticulously with the team,” said Dárdai.

Friedrich’s first press conference

Alongside the head coach sat Arne Friedrich. The sporting director, who took over main responsibility for the club’s sporting affairs on Monday (25/01/21), was attending his first ever press conference as a Hertha board member. The 82-time Germany international described the change in his role to the virtually assembled media: “Obviously a few things have changed for me in the last few days. Having main responsibility is a big deal and not something I expected to have, but I will give it everything that I’ve got. I have some great people around me who I can rely on. Obviously I will be making the decisions, but I am really grateful for the help and support,” said the 41-year-old.