"Get some points on the board"

In previous games against Mönchengladbach and Dortmund the side, Hertha have received lots of praise from their opponents, but without any points to show for it. The team is hoping to change this away at Augsburg on Sunday (04.09.22, 15:30 CEST). This is also the wish of Sandro Schwarz and Fredi Bobic, who spoke about the upcoming game in Bavaria a day after the end of the transfer window. “I am happy that we finally have clarity over the squad. The positive feedback about our style of play that we have got recently has been good for us. But, it is important for us to use these performances to get some points on the board and then also to win games,” explained our head coach. Bobic was in agreement, “If the boys do their jobs and put in performances like they have recently, they will be rewarded and the self-confidence of the group will come back. In this way the team can keep growing.” Herthabsc.com have summed up the most important parts from today’s presser. Read on to find out what Schwarz and Bobic have to say on:

Sandro Schwarz: The mood in training this week was split in two: Initially after the Dortmund game, there was still some disappointment, but we have critically worked through that game. Now, it is about developing a sense of anticipation for Augsburg and going into that game with confidence. I am happy that we finally have clarity over the squad. The way in which the boys worked coming up to deadline day with a lot of enthusiasm and high intensity, despite the high number of players, was exceptional. The positive feedback about our style of play that we have got recently has been good for us, but it is important for us to use these performances to get some points on the board and then also to win games.

Fredi Bobic: Every Bundesliga game is important! If the boys do their jobs and put in performances like they have recently, they will be rewarded and the self-confidence of the group will come back. In this way the team can keep growing, which is what counts. We will not make an initial valuation of our transfer window till next week – and even then it will be internal. Now it is just about stepping back and letting it all sink in. I also need to get to the barbers (laughs).

Sandro Schwarz: I am expecting a very hard-fought game. Augsburg have played with three at the back in every game this season up till now, and above all play a lot of football man-to-man in the middle of the park. It will be really important to get stuck in! We have to transition the ball up the pitch quickly so not to get drawn into challenges in the middle of the park, which is where FCA are very aggressive. After winning the ball, they do well to progress the ball vertically up the pitch and look for their two strikers. So, we want to be very intense and tight to the man in our defensive approach.

Sandro Schwarz: We are happy that Marco is back with us after this difficult time and is healthy. He was also very pleased to be able to pull on a Hertha shirt again against Dortmund. Marco has also made a really good impression in training; he is very hard-working and energetic. We know that he missed part of pre-season, but he is still a candidate for selection, also possibly in the starting eleven.

Sandro Schwarz: Agu has done a lot of air miles and was still a bit tired. But, he was still ready to put in a couple of strong challenges in training, which is exactly what we wanted to see. From conversation with him, he is very happy to be here. We will still have to decide if he comes straight into the squad.