Hertha BSC have recently regained their composure. Marco Richter, who has scored in each of the last three games and is currently the face of Berlin’s upswing, has played a major part in this.
The fact that Hertha BSC’s form is currently on the up again has a lot to do with Marco Richter. The offensive player had moved from Augsburg to Berlin shortly before the end of the summer transfer window, and most recently the 23-year-old scored in the 2-1 win in Frankfurt as well as in the victory over Gladbach (1-0) and in the cup in Münster (3-1).
“He has a good run because he trains well – that is not a matter of luck. The best example is his goal against Gladbach. It rings so often in training,” said coach Pal Dardai, praising the attitude of the multiple junior international and Olympic participant.
The transfers are bearing fruit
At first, Richter did not have it easy after his transfer to the capital. A thigh injury forced him to cut back, and in the first six league games Richter was only used as a wild card five times. As time went on, the right-footer found his feet more and more, but this also applies to the other newcomers.
“The boys are settling in more and more, getting to know the city better, and you can see that. Marco has come in better and better over time, as has Jurgen (Ekkelenkamp, editor’s note),” said sporting director Arne Friedrich, expressing his satisfaction with the transfers, which, according to Friedrich, were made “according to a clear plan” and “out of complete conviction”.
Friedrich: “We remain down to earth “
In the summer, Hertha strengthened itself exclusively with offensively-minded players, but in recent weeks the shoe was particularly on the defensive side. While Lukas Klünter (shoulder surgery) and Jordan Torunarigha (thigh injury) are still out, Niklas Stark, an important pillar in the defence, will return before Friday night’s match in Hoffenheim. Marton Dardai is now also back in full juice, which gives Dardai several tactical options.
Most recently, the Hungarian relied more on a four-man backline, but against TSG a three-man backline is now an option again. “I’m happy that we have mastered both systems, but my favourite system is the back four,” Dardai gives a hint as to how he will probably line up on Friday.
If the Alte Dame, who have only won three of their eleven games in Sinsheim so far, also get a treble against TSG, they could temporarily jump into an international spot. After recent turbulent seasons, Friedrich in particular is enjoying the fact that things have been a little quieter around Hertha recently. “It’s been a wild ride here since day one, but the development is going in the right direction. We take small steps and keep working our way forward – we remain down-to-earth as a club. “
