Ex-Herthan Peter Niemeyer hopes that the derby against Union will come at the right time for Charlottenburg, who are in danger of being relegated.
“Such a derby can bring something special out of you,” said the 38-year-old to the “Tagesspiegel” before the Bundesliga match between Hertha BSC and Union Berlin on Saturday (6:30 p.m. / here in the BZ live ticker and on Sky). “It will be difficult, but I am convinced that Hertha will get a second breath. It’s no different under Felix Magath.”
Niemeyer scored the 1-0 in the second minute of the first league game between Hertha and Union in 2010.
The second division game in the stadium An der Alten Försterei ended 1:1. “Yes, second minute: headed goal in front of the Union curve. That is of course still present, ”said Niemeyer, who is now sports director at the North Rhine-Westphalian regional league club Preussen Münster.
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When asked about speculation that he could become sports director at Hertha after Arne Friedrich left, Niemeyer only said that these rumors had not escaped his notice. It is nice to hear that he still enjoys a good reputation among fans. He still has a connection with the Old Lady. “Hertha is still in my heart, definitely. I also follow what’s happening there and wish the club all the best,” said the 38-year-old.
He will watch the derby on Saturday on TV, and Niemeyer was in the stadium when Hertha lost to Union in the DFB Cup in January. “The appearance frightened me a bit – because Hertha didn’t feel like they were on an equal footing,” he said.
Regarding the current balance of power in the capital, Niemeyer said: “Union is playing a stable season again, while Hertha is staggering and has their backs to the wall. But I hope that Hertha can continue the trend that was seen at least against Hoffenheim.”
