Uncertain future
© Imago
Berk Inaler was trained in the youth of Union Berlin and switched from Viktoria Berlin to Halleschen FC in summer. The chances of returning to professional football are no longer particularly large for the third division relegation, but the club league leaders Lok Leipzig would like to put pressure on. The 25-year-old midfielder has immediately become a regular force and speaks in the TM interview about the promotion struggle in the regional league and his future.
Transfer market: Lord inal, arithmetically it is still possible to displace Lok Leipzig from first place. How do you start the last games?
Inaler: The championship is still possible, but Lok Leipzig has a very comfortable lead. In this respect, computing games make no sense. We focus on our performance and want to further optimize our good point cut. Halle is entitled to win every game in the Northeast Regionalliga.
Transfer market: How does she prepare coach Mark Zimmermann for the final sprint?
Inal: First and foremost we look from game to game, every opponent plays differently. Our trainer prepares us well for the opposing teams with video material. He motivates us so that we can bring our game to the square, are brave and have fun.
Inaler: “Would like to give something back to our fantastic fans”
Transfer market: The HFC played with a completely newly formed team from the start – how did they manage to form a homogeneous unit so quickly?
Inal: We have a good individual quality in the squad. At the beginning we had some start -up difficulties and first had to find ourselves properly. Then it went properly. In the last third of the season we left points unnecessarily. We lost four of the five defeats 0-1. The 0: 1 against Lok Leipzig was very unhappy because a regular goal was revoked. We want to win the remaining games.
Transfer market: In addition to the league final, the highlight is the cup final against Lok Stendal at the end of May. What is the meaning for the association?
Inaler: Of course, the state cup is of great importance. As a team, we can reward ourselves for a good season, but also return something to the club and our fantastic fans. The move into the DFB Cup not only brings attractive opponents with it, but also financial advantages for the association.
Inaler: “Energy underlines the good work in the northeast”
Transfer market: The regional league is well occupied by the name, because numerous traditional clubs also compete in the northeast relay. How do you feel the level?
Inaler: I consider the northeast relay to be the best of all regional leader. In the west and southwest, clubs such as Viktoria Köln, Essen, Aachen, Elversberg, Waldhof Mannheim and Saarbrücken have risen in recent years. Duisburg will also play in the 3rd league next season. The number of traditional clubs with professional infrastructure and many spectators is enormous. The current role of Energie Cottbus in the 3rd league underlines the high level and the good work in the northeast.
Transfer market: They play over 5,000 spectators in the home games, against Lok Leipzig there were over 13,000. How is the mood and what do you get in the field?
Inaler: It is fun to play in front of such scenes. Our fans support us very well. I try to absorb the mood because this atmosphere as a mentality player gives me an additional push.
Transfer market: The promotion regulation is currently causing a conversation, because the master does not increase directly, but has to go to the relegation against TSV Havelse. How is your opinion?
Inaler: Masters have to rise directly. Energie Cottbus won the championship and the cup in 2022/23, but has lost the relegation. It cannot be that a whole season broke twice 90 minutes. A team plays almost perfect all season, becomes a master and may not be able to rise due to nuances in two games. That’s not fair. For clubs this is a competitive disadvantage on the transfer market. Regeneration is also neglected if you have to play promotion games in June and start preparing a short time later.
Contract expires: uncertain future with inal
Transfer market: You personally have arrived in Halle and are undisputed top performers and crowd favorite. How would you rate your season so far?
Inaler: I am very satisfied with my previous services, with a few exceptions. I was often able to bring in my mentality and pressing quality, and as a defensive midfielder with six goals of goals, I am the second best scorer at the HFC. The fact that I was allowed to wear the captain’s bandage several times was an additional appreciation.
Transfer market: Your contract is only extended when climbing. Regardless of the prospect of success: Would it be conceivable for you to stay in the regional league for another year and to target the ascent again a year later?
Inaler: My focus was on and lies on getting up this season with the HFC into the 3rd division. However, an ascent is not a sure -fire success, which can be seen from the examples of Energie Cottbus, Essen, Elversberg or Saarbrücken. A remaining in the regional league depends on various factors. If a sporting development and appreciation is given, it is also an option to remain with the HFC.
Transfer market: Your achievements have not been unnoticed. Has the HFC already spoken to you?
Inaler: So far we have exchanged a flat rate. So far, I have not been an official contract offer. In summer it will be shown how things will happen.
Inaler explains change: “Wanted to play football with more pressure”
Transfer market: In the summer of 2024 they left Berlin for the first time and joined Halle. For what reasons?
Inaler: I was able to achieve an excellent 3rd place with the team as captain of Viktoria Berlin, but it was important to me to play football in front of a different backdrop and with even more pressure. Therefore, the HFC with its stadium, fans and ambitions was a very good step.
Transfer market: In addition to Viktoria Berlin and VSG Altglienicke, they have done their football training at Union Berlin. Which experiences were particularly important there?
Inaler: At Union Berlin, I was trained technically and tactically at a good level. Viktoria Berlin and Altglienicke have produced some very interesting players with Cvejtinovic, Harres and Cigerci in recent years. However, the infrastructure and the low spectator volume in home games is problematic, which requires a high degree of self -motivation.
Transfer market: Which coach, player or mentor was particularly formative for their previous career?
Inaler: Each trainer has his advantages. In the youth at Union Berlin I learned a lot from Mr. Weißen. In the men’s area, Mr. Heine, Mr. Keskin and my current trainer Mr. Zimmermann were particularly formative for me. Mr. Heine is a trainer with a lot of experience who always keeps calm. With Semih Keskin I have a very personal contact, we played a sensational season as a very young team under his direction.
Transfer market: At the age of 25 they are in the best football age. What are your goals?
Inaler: As a defensive midfielder, I can play for 10-15 years of professional football and of course I want to be a maximum of successful. The career courses of players like Andrich, Undav, Bülter or Harres show what is possible in football. In the medium term, I would like to establish myself more class.