“We have the responsibility to show that side of us again”

As questions were asked about his trust in his squad, Sandro Schwarz raised the tone of his voice and gesticulated passionately in the air in front of him to emphasise what he was saying. “Everyone has to be clear: These are our boys, this is our team! They have given everything and proven often enough that they are able to deal with adversity, play our style of football and successfully compete in games. We have the responsibility to show that side of us again,” said the 44-year-old in the press conference ahead of the away game on Saturday against Eintracht Frankfurt (04.02.23, 15:30 CET). Benjamin Weber also took his place alongside the coach at a press conference for the first time. The new Hertha sporting director spoke about the transfer window which has just closed. “I am pleased. We were clear that we would only make a move if we were 100% convinced by it.” The focus now turns to the clash in Frankfurt. herthabsc.com has summarised the key points as Schwarz and Weber spoke about…

… the transfer window:

Benjamin Weber: I am pleased. We were clear that we would only make a move if we were 100% convinced by it. It is about what is economically possible and who can help us straight away. With Tolga Ciğerci, who knows the club and the Bundesliga, this was the case.

… trust in the squad:

Sandro Schwarz: We’re in a position now where we will have this group together for the rest of the season. I have enormous respect for my coaching staff and for my team in how they’ve approached training sessions in the last few days. I know that it would be cool to also see this on the pitch – because that is the most important thing. But we all have to have faith. Everyone has to be clear: These are our boys, this is our team! They have given everything and proven often enough that they are able to deal with adversity, play our style of football and successfully compete in games. We have the responsibility to show that side of us again. This is our approach, which we are putting complete faith in.

. … the past weeks:

Sandro Schwarz: We have put those first two defeats behind us well and showed a good reaction after the Wolfsburg game. But against 1. FC Union, we made just an error or two too many. First of all, the boys had to essentially let what happened sink in. They were turbulent days. We can’t let them feel alone in this situation, that is very important. As a result, we’ve spoken about what we can influence. It is now about picking ourselves up again and concentrating day by day. The focus in on Saturday and how we will play there.

… Eintracht Frankfurt:

Sandro Schwarz: I see it as difficult to play against Frankfurt – we have to fight against them. They are a team that, above all in attack, are very well equipped with individual quality. Oliver Glasner ‘s team defend aggressively and attack well with a clear structure. They are not near the top of the table for nothing and are also rightfully playing European football. It will be a challenge – we will need to give everything against a top team.”

… a potential change of system:

Sandro Schwarz: It’s definitely an option. If it happens on Saturday remains to be seen. But clearly, we have a lot of good central midfielders and not many alternatives out wide, so a change of system could be the solution.