Hertha signing Jean-Paul Boetius proved himself for the first time in team training on Tuesday Photo: City Press GmbH
By Paul Gorgas
“Djanga” starts! Hertha access Jean-Paul Boetius (28), nicknamed “Djanga”, trained with his new colleagues for the first time on Tuesday afternoon.
As a former Mainzer, Boetius is known to Berliners, as is Kevin-Prince Boateng (35). The vice-captain is enthusiastic: “He was a very disgusting opponent. He is a buffalo, good with the ball. He has charisma, is exactly what we need. He’s a laugh man, he was beaming all the time in training.”
Boateng is certain: “He can only help us.” However, Boateng also has new competition with Boetius in midfield. The old pro laughs: “If he really steps on the gas, he can have my place. But for that he has to get past me first.”
Kevin-Prince Boateng welcomes Jean-Paul Boetius Photo: City Press GmbH
Boateng continued: “Competition is good for us, it’s fun. I’m glad he’s here.”
Hertha coach Sandro Schwarz (43) also knows Boetius very well – the Dutchman played 42 competitive games in Mainz under his old and new coach. Schwarz: “He’s a very good footballer, likes to run and is aggressive on the ball. We’re hoping for that from him.”
Hertha BSC
Schwarz has kept in touch with his dream player in the past: “We had an intense time in Mainz. We talked about football and private things.” From now on you can do that every day on the training ground!
