Emotional send offs for Jantschke and Herrmann
Any lingering doubts about Borussia not remaining in the Bundesliga next season have dissolved away following the 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt. The match against Frankfurt was also marked by send-offs for Tony Jantschke and Patrick Herrmann.
Robin Hack didn’t have to take long to think. “This here,” said the 25-year-old, pointing to his t-shirt with Patrick Herrmann’s face on it when he was asked what meant the most to him about Borussia’s 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt. “To have seen these two in front of the Kurve, after such careers, with tears in their eyes. That was the most beautiful thing today.” ‘These two’ obviously referred to Tony Jantschke and Herrmann, who ran out for one final time at BORUSSIA-PARK on Saturday and were celebrated before, during and after the game.
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The scenes after full time in particular, with all their teammates, the head coach and supporters wearing their farewell shirts and the fans standing and chanting for Jantschke and Herrmann as they made their way to the Nordkurve demonstrates that this was the end of two Borussia great’s careers. “It was sensational, something very special,” said Jantschke describing the experience. “It shows that you have done a lot right.” A summary which Herrmann shared. “Otherwise we wouldn’t be up there with the fans right now.”
More than 700 competitive games for Borussia combined
That both received game time in their final home game was pleasing for Jantschke in particular, who has recently been out with injury. “It was not a given. I am very happy that my body played its part.” For him it was a 302nd competitive game in total for Borussia, and a 247th in the Bundesliga. Herrmann, meanwhile, has played 350 games in the Bundesliga among 419 competitive games for the Foals. “It was nice to be able to enjoy one final time at BORUSSIA-PARK. All in all, there are so many memories over the course of my career that will remain with me forever,” said Herrmann. “Patrick Herrmann and Tony Jantschke both have exemplary careers behind them and have achieved a lot for Borussia. That’s why they deserved to be given a proper send-off,” said head coach Gerardo Seoane.
How much the day meant was already clear before kick-off. Both players, who have never played for any other clubs during their professional careers, were visibly emotional during the warm-up and the connecting tributes from Borussia’s president and board – with Herrmann also shedding one or two tears. “I was extremely close to tears today,” he explained. “It was all so nice and really it all started at the warm-up, then during the tifo. These were the first moments where I had to stop and start digesting everything.”
Both Jantschke and Herrmann to stay working at Borussia
In final stages, Borussia’s number seven even found himself in a promising position to score to make it 2-1, but he couldn’t find space to get his shot off. This meant that a competitive game against Frankfurt finished 1-1, with the opener from Robin Hack (9’), his tenth goal of the season, eventually cancelled out by Eric Dina Ebimbe (36’). The visitors had more of the game and more shots, but only managed to trouble Jonas Omlin with the goal for the equaliser. “Obviously we are all happy to have got across the finish line,” said Seoane. “At least after conceding we were too passive and had to defend a lot.”
Next week in the final game of the season away at VfB Stuttgart, which will mean the end of their career’s as professional footballers for Jantschke and Herrmann. “I have experienced a lot of nice moments here and have been able to get to know lots of lovely people. I am very grateful for all of this and will miss my time as a player at Borussia,” said Jantschke. While he will continue his career in the future working alongside top talent in the first team and academy, Herrmann will continue his career at Borussia working in sponsorship. Both legends will be crossing their fingers for their former teammates next season. “I’ve always wanted to stand in the Kurve or be there at an away day. That is something that I am looking forward to doing now,” said Herrmann.
