Everything seemed ready to go, but at 16:00 CEST on the dot at Schenckendorffplatz torrential rain started to pour down. A classic summer storm prevented the planned start of the Blue-White’s pre-season out on the pitch. Anticipation ahead of the new season, which is reflected by the amount of season ticket sales so far, was also reflected by around 200 fans who had come to watch training, but the weather didn’t allow for the original plan and improvisation was needed. Instead, the players worked inside doing some gym work. “A proper training session would’ve been better in giving me a direct picture of the new players, because every second counts,” explained Pál Dárdai, who will lead the time for a sixth season. For the head coach as well as the supporters, there will be more more opportunities to watch the boys putting in the hard yards in the coming days. “People love this club and support us. If we can work well as a coaching team and everything grows together it will be worth coming again because then we will see a team built on mentality with character that gives everything for Hertha BSC. That is the first step before we can state any goals,” emphasised the head coach.

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When the final whistle sounded at Stadion Rote Erde at 16:45 CET, the celebrations knew no bounds. “Only BVB are Bezirksliga champions,” rang out around the ground. After clinching their biggest win of the season, the team and supporters were in exuberant mood as they celebrated their second title in a row.

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