Hertha’s coach Leitl takes his players to task against Düsseldorf

Hertha has now settled into a secure upper midfield, while Düsseldorf is significantly lower. For the Berliners, as coach Stefan Leitl emphasized again on Friday, it is “about the best possible placement” until the end of the season.

For Fortuna, the situation is much more precarious: only five points ahead of the relegation place, the unsuccessful start to the season and numerous injuries have set the team back. Düsseldorf urgently needs points to avoid being in acute danger of relegation again.

Leitl expects a correspondingly active opponent: “Markus beginning won’t let a destructive team play. They will look for the initiative, they need the points.” In fact, Fortuna appeared more stable recently, scored regularly and is considered the team with the strongest flanks in the league. An opponent who can become dangerous at any time despite a statistically weak offensive.

No experiments with the squad

Despite the situation in the table, Stefan Leitl will not rotate on Sunday. The coach made it clear at the press conference that operating times will continue to be based on the performance principle: “We will not give out any gifts. You have to earn operating times.”

The message is clear: Even if not much is possible in terms of sport, the season should be played to the end with maximum professionalism. “There is a lot of money at stake for the club and it is our duty to get the most out of this season,” said Leitl.

The most important personality of the week concerns Pascal Clemens. The 21-year-old has extended his contract, much to the coach’s delight. Clemens is a “Berlin, Herthaner, from the academy” and a player with perspective, said Leitl.

The youngster had been left out in recent weeks because Leitl wanted to wait for a decision on his future. It has now fallen. The final training will decide whether he will be back in the squad in Düsseldorf.

In terms of personnel, other important players are returning. Fabian Reese is available again after his yellow card suspension. Deyovaisio Zeefuik is also back after his injury and is expanding his options on the right side. Kennet Eichhorn has also returned to team training – but Hertha doesn’t want to rush anything with the defender. He should only play again once the injury has completely healed.

However, John Brooks will definitely be missing. The central defender suffered a thigh injury during training and will be out in Düsseldorf – for how long is still unclear. Hertha will also have to do without Michaël Cuisance, who received his fifth yellow card.

Ultimately, Hertha faces an opponent in Düsseldorf who has to fight for every point. And you really want to prove that the season isn’t over yet.