Myziane Maolida starts dribbling Photo: City Press
From BZ/dpa
Hertha BSC has lost a friendly for the first time under new coach Sandro Schwarz. The Berlin Bundesliga team lost 1-0 (0-1) to the English third division team Derby County on Saturday.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (39th minute) scored the winning goal in front of 7043 spectators for the ex-club of England storm legend Wayne Rooney. Hertha, which has been in the training camp in England since Tuesday, had previously won all of their test games against lower-class teams from Berlin and Brandenburg under Black.
In Derby’s Pride Park, Schwarz opted for what he believed to be the best formation available – including Kevin-Prince Boateng in midfield and top candidate for captaincy, Marvin Plattenhardt, at left-back.
The Berliners clearly lacked fitness and liveliness after intensive training days. The English were more energetic in the duels and also provided more goal threat.
Hertha’s new signing Jonjoe Kenny played in his home country in the friendly against Derby County Photo: City Press
A few minutes before half-time, Hertha goalkeeper Oliver Christensen made a save, but Mendez-Laing scored on the third attempt. Dodi Lukebakio (58′) had the best Hertha chance to equalize with a shot at the outside of the post, later (88′) he hit the side netting. Deyovaisio Zeefuik (86′) also shot just wide just before the final whistle.
A few hours before the game, Hertha had won a double test against FC Halifax Town and Salford City 2-1 (1-1) with a completely different formation at the training camp in Burton-upon-Trent.
Dodi Lukebakio escapes Derby County’s Haydon Roberts Photo: City Press
Both teams played 45 minutes each. First it was against the fifth division club Halifax. Maximilian Mittelstädt (36th minute) equalized the opponent’s lead. After the break, fourth division side Salford took over as opponents. Jordan Torunarigha (73rd) scored the Hertha winning goal.