"We need to deliver a strong performance"
Vladimír Darida is known for his passion, desire and willingness to cover a lot of ground. On the pitch he’s everywhere, getting involved in build-up play, pressing, counter-attacks and getting stuck in. No matter where the former Czech Republic captain is playing, his teammates are always grateful for his impact. Against Frankfurt last weekend, not only did our No. 6 set up the opening goal, he also made his 200th career Bundesliga appearance. “I was aware of it, but it wasn’t a big deal,” said the 31-year-old. “Of course it’s great to be able to help out the team by setting up or scoring goals. My aim in every game is to get all three points, and it’s even better if I can add a goal or an assist.” Next up, our Herthaner will be looking to continue picking up points at home against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday (23/10/21, 18:30 CEST). In an interview with herthabsc.de, Darida spoke about the upcoming opponent, milestones, statistics and a dream he still hopes to achieve.
herthabsc.com: Vladi, you’ve made 200 Bundesliga appearances, with 146 of them coming for Hertha BSC – an incredible number! Did you ever think that would happen when you were just a kid dreaming of becoming a professional footballer?
Darida: I definitely always dreamed of it (laughs). I started playing football when I was five. We often trained after school back then. Afterwards, we’d go home and then after dinner we’d be right back out playing on the street.
herthabsc.com: You seem to love marking these milestone moments. In December 2019 you scored the winner for us in a 1-0 victory against Freiburg on what was your 100th Bundesliga match. Now, you helped us pick up all three points in Frankfurt with your third assist of the season in your fourth game.
Darida: (grins) It’s definitely something I’m aware of, especially thanks to you reminding me, but it’s no big deal to me. I was just happy to win, both back then and now. Of course it’s great to be able to help out the team by setting up or scoring goals. My aim in every game is to get all three points, and it’s even better if I can add a goal or an assist. I want to beat my tally of six assists from last season, and score a few goals too (grins).
[>]Of course it’s great to be able to help out the team by setting up or scoring goals. My aim in every game is to get all three points, and it’s even better if I can add a goal or an assist.[<]
herthabsc.com: Let’s stay on the subject of the game against Frankfurt for a bit. You combined well as a team, especially during the first half. A few Hertha fans likely would have been asking themselves why things aren’t always like that?
Darida: If only there was an easy answer. I think the coach has listed a few reasons already. We trained well over the international break, and worked hard to play as more of a unit. It was also important that the mood in the dressing room remained positive, despite the setbacks. It’s a cliché, but football is a team sport.
herthabsc.com: Let’s switch subjects for a moment. You retired from the national team following the EUROs. Since then, what are the international breaks like for you?
Darida: It felt a bit strange in September, but I still stand by my decision. I’m able to spend more time with my family, can focus fully on Hertha and am also clearing the way for young players to come up. For example, in October I attended a game in Prague after being invited by the FA and was able to say goodbye together with the boys and the fans ahead of kick-off.
herthabsc.com: Now back to Hertha. Our record against our upcoming opponents Borussia Mönchengladbach could stand some improvement. You’ve scored once and set up two more goals, but have won just two of 12 meetings against the Foals, drawing three times. What will be the key to beating Borussia?
Darida: See, that’s another statistic I wasn’t aware of, because I don’t really pay much attention to that. But it’s true, that doesn’t sound great and we will give everything in order to ensure that all three points stay in Berlin. In the end, we will need a similar performance to how we played against Frankfurt. That includes supporting each other, fighting for each other and staying compact, while also playing good passes and using our chances well.
herthabsc.com: Let’s end by talking about hopes and dreams again. You once said to us that you would love to have your son with you to celebrate with the Ostkurve at a game one day. Now that he’s nearly two years old, has he been at the Olympiastadion already?
Darida: Andy watched his first game at the Olympiastadion this season against Wolfsburg, but he hasn’t been out on the pitch with me yet. Hopefully that will happen after we beat Mönchengladbach.