Roared on by over 6,000 in Berlin

In his pre-match press conference on Friday, VfB head coach Sebastian Hoeneß confirmed that Konstantinos Mavropanos will be absent. “Dinos took a whack to his shin in the cup game on Wednesday and suffered a laceration in a membrane as a result,” confirmed Hoeneß. Atakan Karazor will also miss the trip to Berlin having accumulated five yellow cards. “It’s a blow, of course. Ata is a leader, an important pillar for us on the pitch and also technically gifted.” However, things are looking better as far as Waldemar Anton (stomach bug) and Tiago Tomas (hip problem) are concerned. “I’m expecting that both will train today and therefore that they’ll also be an option for the match at Hertha.”

Focus quickly switched

After elimination in the semi-finals of the cup against Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek, Hoeneß’s focus has been on pulling the right levers straight away. “My impression of the boys is that the concentration level is already very high again,” said the 40-year-old. “Everyone’s focus is on an important game against Hertha, which we want to go about with energy and power. I see an inner belief that we can conquer this together.”

A lot at stake

Hoeneß warned of the basement boys: “Berlin are individually well equipped, will be playing in front of a full house and have shown many times that, particularly at home, they’re a tricky team to play against. It’s going to be hard work against a team who are fighting for their lives.”

Special support

One thing’s for sure: VfB can count on excellent support again at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on Saturday afternoon, with around 6,100 away fans making the trip to the capital. “Our fans are phenomenal, they give us strength and energy and we hope for that effect again on Saturday,” added Hoeneß.