“I don’t regret a single day of my time at Hertha BSC”

At the end of their press conference, Werner Gegenbauer addressed some words directly to Carsten Schmidt, our departing chairman of the board, who on Tuesday announced that he would leave the club due to personal reasons. Club president Gegenbauer said: “I want to say one more thing, from the heart. The fact we are sitting here, in this situation, speaks volumes to the camaraderie and community within Hertha BSC, and shows how much the club means to you. We take our hats off to you and say ‘thank you’.” In the preceding minutes, Schmidt spoke honestly and authentically about the difficult decision he has taken, to end his working relationship with the club. “I don’t regret a single day of my time at Hertha BSC. It’s been a wonderful time for me, and I’m sad that it has had to end in this abrupt fashion. I worked with heart, commitment and great conviction. The fact that I have been able to serve this club has been a very special time for me,” explained the 58-year-old, continuing: “I’ve found a truly great club culture here, which I have felt at home in on every level. I want to carry on enjoying the club, just like have done from the very first day I started working here.”

Lots of support

Schmidt thanked everybody involved with the club for supporting him; the presidency, the various councils and committees, strategic partner Tennor and Lars Windhorst, the board, all his colleagues, the club partners and, of course, the fans. “The entire organisation has developed a lot since the 1st of December. Hertha BSC now has the personnel to be ready to make decisions.” He brushed any speculation to the side. “At no point have I felt any resistance to the initiatives I have put in place. There was no rift, there is no rift, and there will never be a rift. The reasons for my decision are based solely in my private and personal life.” On the possible effects of Schmidt’s departure, Gegenbauer said: “We are well appointed and don’t need any quick fixes. We will have debates within committees with the managing directors and board to make sure that everything which has been put in place will be taken forward and be successful.”