“The Bölle can become a factor”

The fact that all but two of our players are fit is an extremely good situation for us. Of course, this means that we as the coaching team have to make tough decisions regarding the squad and the starting eleven. We have a top-class central defence – not just in terms of quality, but also quantity. In the six position, we have a variety of different players that we can use depending on the game situation. In the ten position, we can also rely on four fit players. The same applies to the attack. This means we can always react to the game and even during it. Nevertheless, I naturally have the occasional conversation before a game, which isn’t easy. No player likes to hear that they’re not in the squad or not playing. Every player must still be ready to give their all for the team at all times. That’s the atmosphere we have at the moment. We also manage to maintain a very high level of human interaction, even when tough decisions have to be made.

We have 30 players in the squad, including three goalkeepers. Of the 27 outfield players, we have to exclude Max Pfister and Othmane El Idrissi. We’ve already made our idea clear with Otto. I’m very happy with Max. But for him, it’s a learning year, in which he’ll learn in training with the first team and play for the U21s. Then we’ll have 25 outfield players. I think that’s a pretty good size, especially considering players with an injury history. I don’t consider our squad bloated at all. It’s a very well-assembled squad that creates competitive situations and provides backup options. Should worst-case scenarios occur, we have players who can also play in other positions, as Clemens Riedel, for example, recently demonstrated.

Hertha BSC has advanced in the cup. They had a tough away game at Schalke on the first matchday. They had chances to win against KSC. Hertha has said they want to be promoted. The management and the Hertha players have said this. They are a clear favourite for promotion – and that’s how they see themselves. And they want to underline that here with us on Sunday. Hertha has players in their ranks that other second-division teams simply can’t afford. They also have a very good coach in Stefan Leitl, whom I hold in high regard.

Fabian Reese is an exceptional player in the 2. Bundesliga. He undoubtedly has incredible depth, a good finish, and a good header. He’s very good at set pieces and always moves deep when switching positions. Therefore, we have to watch out for him. With Kownacki, Hertha has brought in a top-top-top striker for the 2. Bundesliga to play alongside him. The two are currently finding their feet. Reese is an extremely exceptional player, but there’s more to him than just him: There’s also Cuisance, Jensen, Sessa, Dardai, Zeefuik, and Winkler. Focusing solely on Fabian Reese would be a mistake. But of course, you should always keep an eye on him.

We need to take a lot of self-confidence from our good start to the season. Nevertheless, we must remain humble, knowing that we’re facing a team where almost any player can decide the game in any situation. The Bölle can also be a factor. I expect a very energetic stadium on Sunday, which we want to take advantage of. We also want to bring a lot of energy onto the pitch ourselves. The mental approach may be more crucial this time than the last tactical detail.

Of course, we analyse our opponents and watch numerous of their games beforehand. Nevertheless, our first consideration is our own strengths: Where does each player feel most comfortable? Who is currently in top form? Regardless of whether it’s a back three or a back four, it’s good that we can’t just talk about one system at the moment. The players themselves have also expressed that they feel comfortable in both systems. Our first consideration is our strengths. Then we can tailor everything to the opponent with one or two details. We don’t do anything completely differently just because the opponent is Hertha.