Back to work

After playing on Friday night, the Hertha players were back on the training ground on Monday afternoon ahead of the final home game of the season against VfL Bochum on Saturday (20/5/23, 15:30 CEST). The squad and coaching team spent an hour doing some video analysis before training started at Schenckendorffplatz. “We analysed the Köln game once again and are now preparing for our final two games as we look to try and take our small chance,” said Pál Dárdai. “Things are no longer in our own hands and we need to hope that others slip up. We need to win at home this weekend and then we’ll just have to see what else happens.”

Uremović missing, four players trained individually

Filip Uremović was missing from the training ground at the start of the new week. Our number 5 suffered concussion during the match in Cologne and will definitely miss the game against Bochum. Goalkeeper Robert Kwasigroch was also absent due to a knee problem. Tolga Ciğerci and Márton Dárdai (calf problems), Marc Kempf (rib) and Wilfried Kanga (muscular problems) all trained individually. While Dárdai should return to full training on Tuesday, the head coach was unsure about the other three players. “I’ll be able to say more at Thursday’s press conference,” stated the 47-year-old. Agustín Rogel was also not in training due to personal reasons. The youngsters from the U19s and U23s that featured for youth sides at the weekend did some recovery work instead.

Following an extensive warm-up, Dárdai’s side completed some passing drills and some other exercises out on the training pitch. The Hungarian added: “We won’t just use this week to work on our defence. Bochum will sit back and look to break on us, so we can’t do the same. We have to be prepared.” Dárdai’s focus this week will be on Gegenpressing, aggression and controlled attacks and transitions. It’s going to be a busy week in training for the Herthaner, who desperately need all three points on Saturday to keep their survival hopes alive.