“I can’t imagine anything better!”

Marius Gersbeck’s delight at being back at Hertha BSC was clear to see as he stepped into the club’s offices to complete the final paperwork around his move. The Berlin native was busy shaking hands, greeting staff members and hugging old friends, accompanied by our club media team. “I think it’s great that there are still so many familiar faces at the club. There are people working for the club that I’ve known for years. That’s why it’s even nicer to be able to return here and to be able to play for all these people,” Gersbeck said with a smile. He added, “I just feel at home here. I can’t imagine anything better!” In an interview, the 27-year-old spoke about returning home and the experience he’s been able to amass during his career so far.

herthabsc.com: Marius, Ha Ho He and welcome back! What does it feel like to be back at Hertha BSC?
Gersbeck: It’s great, and it already feels like home again (laughs). It’s an indescribable feeling to be able to play professionally for my hometown club!

herthabsc.com: Tell us, what were you thinking when it became clear that the move would go through?
Gersbeck: My first thought was just, wow! Afterwards, I had to sit down and think it through because I was happy in Karlsruhe and had a great time there. In the end, what made the decision for me was being able to return home, back to my family and to be able to play for our club. I can’t imagine anything better for me!

[>]
I had to sit down and think it through because I was happy in Karlsruhe and had a great time there. In the end, what made the decision for me was being able to return home, back to my family and to be able to play for our club.
[<]
–Marius Gersbeck

herthabsc.com: Let’s look back on your journey back to the Spree! You played for Chemnitzer FC, VfL Osnabrück and our friends at Karlsruher SC. What did you learn along the way? How has this experience helped shape you as a player?
Gersbeck: It was definitely a different experience each time. I barely played in Chemnitz, but I learned a lot during what was a tough time for me on the pitch. I was given a chance in Osnabrück, which was a huge leap for me. I’m still in touch with people there today, and it was a great time. We didn’t have much success in my first year in Karlsruhe, but on a personal level things were going well for me. Success then followed in my second season there. It was the best time of my career so far!

herthabsc.com: Now you can look forward to putting on the Hertha shirt once more! There’s no secret that our club has played a big part in your life. You featured just once for our first team so far, in an unforgettable 2-1 win in Dortmund in 2013. How great was your desire to run out for our club again after that?
Gersbeck: That experience definitely made me hungry for more! It remains an unforgettable game for me and made me eager to add more to my resume. Unfortunately, I picked up an injury afterwards and wasn’t able to get back to the same level, looking back on it. It was always a dream of mine to be able to play for Hertha at the Olympiastadion. I will now give everything to be able to make this dream a reality!

Fabian Lustenberger, Marius Gersbeck and Sami Allagui celebrate a 2-1 win in Dortmund in December 2013. — Fabian Lustenberger and Sami Allagui celebrate Gersbeck’s successful debut against BVB in 2013.

herthabsc.com: You experienced a lot during your first spell at the Old Lady. Are there any anecdotes or old friends that you like looking back on
Gersbeck: There are several! I’m really looking forward to seeing our equipment manager Herze (Ed. Note: Hendrik Herzog). He was very strict with me back then, but also helped me a lot. One time he misprinted my name on my shirt and then told me “You won’t play anyways, so it doesn’t matter!” Later on we would always play tennis together and we’ve formed a good rapport now, so I’m looking forward to seeing him again.

herthabsc.com: How intensely have you followed Hertha over the last years? Have you attended any games, like you used to?
Gersbeck: I watched the games regularly, like always. Going to the stadium was naturally a bit more difficult for me, due to Covid-19 and the distance. But when possible, I definitely made my way into the stands a time or two (grins).

herthabsc.com: Despite our recent relegation, there’s a definite feeling of “this is our time now” at the club right now. We set a new attendance record last season and are excited about each new member and season ticket renewal that we are now getting. You’re also engrained in our fan base. What do you think of the mood around the club?
Gersbeck: It’s impressively calm after what has been a tough season. That speaks for the club, that things are starting to settle down and that we can build on this. You need to get people on board and hopefully be able to get back on track.

herthabsc.com: Was it an incentive for you to return and want to help achieve this? As a player, what do you think makes our club special?
Gersbeck: I think it’s great that there are still so many familiar faces at the club. There are people working for the club that I’ve known for years. That’s why it’s even nicer to be able to return here and to be able to play for all these people. Anyone that’s also worked here will know that you just feel at home here and that makes it feel as though you were only away for a short while.

herthabsc.com: You haven’t played for him yet, but you already know Pál Dárdai well. What role did he play in your decision to return?
Gersbeck: It’s nice to have a familiar face be in such an important position at the club. I think highly of Pál and am looking forward to being able to train with him again!

herthabsc.com: Peter Pekarik and Tolga Ciğerci are two players who were also at the club back then. Were you in touch with them at all before your return
Gersbeck: No, but of course I kept an eye on what they were up to, especially Peter who has been here the whole time. I’m really looking forward to seeing him again. We’re both a few years older now and will have a little bit of catching up to do.

herthabsc.com: Our club is currently going through a restructuring process, also in regard to our squad. We still wanted to ask you though, what goals you’ve set for yourself on the pitch?
Gersbeck: I think I’m a very strong team player and I just want to do my part to help the team be successful. The coaching staff will decide in what role I’m able to help out. Based on my experience, I’m confident that I will be able to contribute regardless of what that is.

herthabsc.com: What will need to happen in the upcoming season so that the fans are able to look back on a successful campaign next summer
Gersbeck: We need to become a close-knit unit and showcase this strength on the pitch. I’m confident that we will have a strong team that is able to play successful football!