Captain Clara Dreher on the Hertha men: “There is no exchange, we operate very separately”

Clara Dreher, Hertha BSC lost their first away game in the Second Division against Bochum. On Sunday, they secured a 2-0 home victory against 1. FC Köln II. How does the win feel?

Very good. It was exhausting. The first three points of the season have to feel good, and rightly so.

How important was the support of over 600 fans in the amateur stadium?
Immensely important. The fans were incredibly supportive. We always hear them – even in Bochum. We really appreciate that, and they always give us that extra boost.

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You were promoted with the team in the summer. What are the biggest differences between the Regionalliga and the Second Division so far?

The intensity. Everything is faster and more intense. You have to be quicker mentally and more precise with the ball.

In the first half, you could see that the initial touches were good, but the second pass needs to be more accurate. In the regional league, we could still run away from mistakes, but that’s no longer possible.

Who do you consider the toughest opponents in the Second League?

We had a good start with Bochum. But there are quite a few. Viktoria Berlin and SC Sand, for example. But we’re here and we’re eager. And we hope to develop into the team.

Anything better than staying in the league is something we’ll gladly accept.

Clara Dreher

What are your specific goals for the season?
Our group goal is definitely to stay in the league – above the relegation line. Anything better than staying in the league is something we’ll gladly accept.

How has your role as captain and leader in the team changed since the promotion?

My role hasn’t changed much because the roles are independent of the league. In the end, I was elected captain again. The team council has also remained relatively constant – this reflects a kind of security within the team.

Clara Dreher

What are your specific goals for the season?

Our group goal is definitely to stay in the league – above the relegation line. Three Berlin clubs play in the first or second division: 1. FC Union Berlin, Viktoria Berlin, and Hertha BSC. What does that mean to you?

A lot. When I was little, there weren’t nearly as many teams in Berlin, or rather, there aren’t as many teams that still exist now. Girls’ football is now offered more opportunities, which is really great.

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Hertha BSC’s men’s team also plays in the second division. Do you have regular contact with captain Josip Brekalo and exchange ideas?

No, there’s no exchange. We operate very separately.

In your opinion, does Berlin have the potential to become the stronghold of German women’s football?

I certainly hope so. The Ruhr area offers plenty of competition, but I believe we’re well-positioned here in Berlin with our three teams. Hopefully, a few more teams will join us.