While the world of German politics in Berlin appears to be active around the clock at the moment, life is rather more relaxed at the Olympic Stadium. The club from the capital, regularly in the headlines in the papers a few years ago, appears to have settled down. The adventure of a Europa League campaign, earned by Pal Dárdai's team finishing sixth last season, ended in December with just one win in six games against Athletic Bilbao, Östersund and Luhansk. A return that would have caused consternation in the global city of Berlin a few years ago. However, the management have learned from earlier mistakes. Even though Hertha are waiting for the first win in 2018 in four games, the CEO Michael Preetz and head coach Dárdai are not unduly concerned. With 27 points to date, Hertha are a comfortable seven points ahead of the drop zone. And the Berliners are just four points from seventh place that could be enough to play in Europe again next season. So there's everything still to play for and no reason to panic.
The confidence shown by the management in the coach and the team was also demonstrated by the transfer activity in January. The club from the capital did not sign any new players although they did let Sebastian Langkamp, Valentin Stocker and Genki Haraguchi move on although they had been regular first team players in the past. The potential on the pitch, diminished by the departure of Stocker and Haraguchi, is currently being compensated for by the improvement in form shown by Valentino Lazaro (pictured above with coach Pal Dardai). The loanee from RB Salzburg is finding his feet after a difficult start to the season and in last Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Hoffenheim he was involved in nearly all of the Hertha attacks. In addition to defensive stalwart Langkamp, Hertha have also been without the services of three other key players at the back. Defender Karim Rekik, right back Mitchell Weiser and first-choice keeper Rune Jarstein have all been sidelined with muscle injuries. While Rekik is in rehab training, Weiser and Jarstein may be set to return at the BayArena.
In spite of the players missing in defence, it is the attack that is currently causing a headache. In the four games in the second half of the season so far, Hertha have only scored twice and have also found it difficult to create goalscoring opportunities in open play. Only Lazaro is hitting the right notes up front. The Slovakia international Ondrej Duda, signed last year to bolster the attack, has been hampered by injuries and unable to meet expectations up to now. The Australian Mathew Leckie got off to a flying start this season (four goals in five games) but has been unable to maintain that form. It's no surprise the top Hertha goalscorer is Salomon Kalou (eight goals), mostly playing on the left wing. The two regular central strikers Vedad Ibisevic (5) and Davie Selke (4) are very talented players in the box but are not receiving enough service.
The biggest potential for the Berlin club is undoubtedly in their youth development. The academy at Hertha has been amongst the leaders for years and has seen several players coming through the ranks including the Boateng brothers and, recently, John Anthony Brooks, who moved on to Wolfsburg last summer bringing a sizeable transfer fee to the coffers of 'Old Lady'. The departure of three established players over the winter break and no new players being signed sends a message to the many young players in the current Hertha squad as Preetz confirmed. "We have young players as back-ups for every position," said the former striker in an interview with the 'kicker' sports journal. As long as these youngsters, such as the 20-year-old central defender Jordan Torunarigha, continue to perform and improve then Hertha are set up to be a top-flight club into the future.
In an very evenly-balanced Bundesliga this term, Hertha Berlin are what would be described as average so far this season. Ahead of the game against the Werkself, Hertha have recorded as many defeats as victories and scored and conceded the same number of goals. Looking at the table, everything points to a quiet time up to spring for Hertha – and many of their supporters will probably be happy with that.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
Show more
There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
Show more
Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
Show more
A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
Show more
