From BZ editors
Sandro Schwarz (43) has been the new Hertha coach since Thursday (contract until 2024). He worked as Dynamo Moscow coach until Sunday, even after the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
Black talks about…
… the reasons for his stay: “I condemn the war of aggression in the Ukraine. It has nothing to do with any political stance that I was there longer. The people from the Dynamo environment are good people, they have a clear stance on the subject, like all of us.”
… the decision to stay: “As a person and not as a coach, I was able to assess the situation anew every day. It was important to me to address this war with clear openness in the team and the club management. From this the feeling developed: I have to be there for these people.”
… his inner conflict: “As a person, I felt an inner turmoil, on the one hand seeing these terrible pictures and at the same time knowing from conversations how my players, the staff and those responsible tick. I know what an anchor I was to them.”
… effects of the war: “The war in Moscow was felt in everyday life: many people around me felt the fear of the future, the feeling of separation from the rest of the world.”
Kevin Prince Boateng Photo: O.Behrendt
… Kevin-Prince Boateng (35), whose contract is expiring: “We’re going to have a face-to-face meeting, not over the phone. It’s going to be an open and honest conversation, I want to hear the player’s point of view so that I can get a picture of it and make a decision together.”
… his goals with Hertha: “I’m excited to be working hard now to create a mood shift as a community. That was my drive from day one of talks, regardless of the league. It will be about developing an identity. So that people recognize: This is a Hertha team. We have a very active, forward-thinking style of play. There should be energy on the pitch.”
