"We have to deliver, no matter what"
As the team did their first laps round Schenckendorffplatz, Fredi Bobic took his place in front of the TV cameras on the side of the pitch. On International Women’s Day, the sporting director voiced his opinions on the topics that are currently very much on the mind of everyone associated with Hertha. “When things don’t run smoothly, you can’t shy away and have to be able to take criticism. That is very relevant right now. I will do everything in my power and put all my energy into keeping Hertha BSC afloat,” said the ex professional, who also spoke about honest dialogue with the team, coach Tayfun Korkut and the support from the fans. “The players need to be honest and open with each other. Maybe it would help to seek conflict in order to improve. That is the effect of the dynamic of a group. Recently they have not played as a team, we need to be clear on that.”
Fredi Bobic on…
…The departure of Arne Friedrich: We had a lengthy discussion on Sunday and Monday. We came to the mutual decision that we should part ways. On the one hand it is regrettable but on the other hand Arne’s departure has been certain for quite a while. He no longer found himself in the role that he initially took on. I could no longer involve him in the future decisions relating to Hertha BSC in the same way, but I think that is legitimate. Our dealings were always respectful and everything ran smoothly. I am going to take on more responsibility with matters concerning the team. This will include more dialogue with the players and everyone involved.
…Taking criticism on a personal level: When things don’t run smoothly, you can’t shy away and have to be able take criticism. That is very relevant right now. I will do everything in my power and put all my energy into keeping Hertha BSC afloat. There are many issues we have to work through, particularly on-field issues. In the end we have to stay in this division.
[>]The players need to be honest and open with each other. Maybe it would help to seek conflict in order to improve. That is the effect of the dynamic of a group. Recently they have not played as a team, we need to be clear on that.[<]
…Dialogue with the players: My feeling is that the players recognise that they are the problem and they have to turn this difficult situation around. They have to be honest with themselves. They need to be honest and open with each other. Maybe it would help to seek conflict and deliver some home truths in order to improve. That is the effect of the dynamic of a group. Recently they have not played as a team, we need to be clear on that. The manner in which we lost against Frankfurt was a shock to the system for all of us. We are going to take tighter measures and everyone must play their part. Those who do not, no matter their name or reputation, will be dealt with. This is a problem that concerns all of us and everyone has the chance to turn this round.
…The possibility of changing things: Our biggest problem is the string of individual errors. We must go back to doing the simple things and playing simple football. That includes becoming more compact. It won’t work if we keep conceding so many goals. My and our job is to keep the pressure off the group so they can focus on themselves. But I have to make one thing very clear: The boys know that they have to deliver at the weekend and pick up the points. One game can sometimes be all it takes to get the confidence back.
…Hertha’s leaders: My dialogue is mainly with the experienced players. Of course everyone talks about the leaders but in situations like these, they have their own baggage to carry. Nevertheless, they have to support the others in the group even if they are not in the best of form themselves. Recently that hasn’t worked so well because we work with people and not machines and in contrast to the earlier phase of the season, we haven’t dealt with set-backs very well. Mönchengladbach, our opponents on Saturday, also have their own problems and this game will be a big test of character for the boys.
…Manager Tayfun Korkut: We have faith in our coach. That is also the impression we got from the players. However, this doesn’t change our points tally and everyone is aware of how serious the situation is. I have to stress once again: we need to pick up points at the weekend. It is crucial that the team and the players display a siege mentality on the day.
[>]Frustration and disappointment are understandable, especially after Saturday. It is no different for us, too. There is however no need for malice and sarcasm because we can only get through this difficult situation together. It is not about me, the coach or the players. It is about Hertha BSC.[<]
…The support from the fans: Frustration and disappointment are understandable, especially after Saturday. It is no different for us, too. There is however no need for malice and sarcasm because we can only get through this difficult situation together. It is not about me, the coach or the players. It is about Hertha BSC. That is the most important thing that everyone needs to realise.
…The final phase of the season: We got 21 points in the first half of the season and no one could’ve envisaged that we’d only pick up two points in the second half and of course, this isn’t enough. The players showed in the first half of the season that they are capable of more but they have not shown this since the break. Now we have nine cup finals ahead of us and we have to deliver, no matter what.