By Sebastian Karkos and Paul Gorgas
First derby bankruptcy for Hertha boss Kay Bernstein. Unions Sheraldo Becker and newcomer Jordan Siebatcheu are outstanding in the Irons’ fourth derby win in a row.
Saturday, just after 4 p.m. in the Alte Försterei: Union has just made it 1-0, huge cheers in the stadium. The TV cameras capture Hertha’s new president Kay Bernstein (41) in the opponent’s VIP stand.
Jordan Siebatcheu’s header hits the Hertha box for the Union lead Photo: City Press GmbH
He sits there in a blue Hertha training jacket, annoyed and pulls on an e-cigarette – Union fans cheer around him.
President Kay Bernstein is served. To his left is Managing Director Tom Herrich Photo: picture alliance / contrastphoto
The new club boss imagined the start of the season differently. After less than an hour, Hertha is 0: 3 behind. Union plays a class better than Hertha. The Irons celebrate their fourth derby win in a row and in 2022 alone their third success in the duel for the city championship.
Class Union! And Hertha only second rate!
The 1: 3 by Dodi Lukebakio at the end does not hide the fact that after the first match day the once proud number 1 in Berlin was on the highest alert again after Hertha in the capital derby a week after the embarrassing cup loss at second division Braunschweig ( 9:10 NE) is thus humiliated.
Dodi Lukebakio pulls away without a hitch and marks the 1: 3 consolation goal for Hertha Photo: City Press GmbH
One thing is clear: new coach Sandro Schwarz is firmly in the saddle. But: The pressure to succeed is growing in order to successfully complete the planned restart. Last season, Hertha saved herself in the relegation. With 71 goals conceded, the club had the second worst defense in the league. And even now the defense is shaking tremendously. Lots of work for Black.
Hertha’s Prince Boateng raises his arm, but Robin Knoche’s header to make it 3-0 is given later by VAR Photo: ODD ANDERSEN/AFP
His conclusion on Sky: “We must not allow any mood of doom to arise. We now have to work diligently and intensively. It was very good how people supported us during and after the game. The new way will be hard. It’s annoying that we started with two defeats.”
1.FC Union Berlin
Siebatcheu (31st), Becker (50th) and Knoche (54th) meet for Union, Lukebakio is successful for Hertha (85th). Union captain Christopher Trimmel celebrates: “Deserved to win. I like the word Stadtmeister, it motivates, incites.”
The Hertha fans create a great atmosphere. It wasn’t their fault that the team was so weak Photo: City Press GmbH
Union boss Dirk Zingler remains on the ground despite a 2-0 lead at half-time: “We are well advised to set a realistic goal, that is to stay up. 40 points will be difficult enough.” But he is already looking forward to the European Cup in the Alte Försterei: “That is of the utmost importance for the people in the region.”
Union boss Dirk Zingler sees his boys’ fourth derby victory in the VIP stand and celebrates extensively Photo: Matthew Koch
Union is city champion, is fully deserved number 1 in Berlin Photo: City Press GmbH
At Hertha, on the other hand, there is helplessness!
Captain Marvin Plattenhardt: “The goals we conceded were far too easy, we have to stop that quickly. We have to analyze the scenes and find solutions. We also have to step up on offense and create more chances. All Hertha are now disappointed, nobody likes the result. But I’m optimistic, we’ve evolved as a team.”
Filip Uremovic (left) and Marc Olive Kempf acted as a central defender duo against Union – we were very prone to making mistakes Photo: City Press GmbH
Hertha goalkeeper Oliver Christensen annoyed: “I’m angry and disappointed, we want to play better. The victory is one hundred percent deserved for Union. We weren’t there today. We need to bring more intensity. You created a lot of chances. I have to save the third goal.”
Union got off to a dream start. Hertha a terrible start.
