“Accept the situation and give our all”

Felix Magath’s team was back on the training ground on Monday afternoon, having already discussed the defeat at the weekend in the morning. “We’ve dealt with the derby, both in a sporting and in an emotional sense. We’re obviously gutted about the result, however our position in the table hasn’t changed – things are still in our own hands. Today’s session is the start of the final decisive few games and weeks,” said the 68-year-old head coach before preparations began for Saturday’s away game at FC Augsburg (16/4/22, 15:30 CEST). The focus in training before the first of three games against direct rivals was hard work.

Jovetić injured – five players training individually

There were three goalkeepers plus 22 outfielders in training, with Julian Eitschberger, who made his Bundesliga debut at the weekend, Lukas Ullrich and Jamil Najjar from the U19s all taking part. While Fredrik Bjørkan was missing due to a cold, Niklas Stark, Marvin Plattenhardt, Alexander Schwolow, Rune Jarstein and Kélian Nsona all trained individually. Stevan Jovetić is set for a spell on the sidelines due to a thigh muscle strain.

Monday’s training saw a lot of tackles during a number of 1v1 drills. Magath, assistant coach Mark Fotheringham, and goalkeeping coach Andreas Menger regularly shouted out instructions or words of encouragement for the players. “How we deal with this situation is down to us all. Everybody, and I don’t just mean the players, but everyone at the club, needs to be prepared to accept the situation and to give their all to help Hertha BSC remain in the Bundesliga,” demanded Magath. The first session of the week ended after around 80 minutes. A lot more hard work shall follow this week for the Hertha players.