After Hertha BSC let Oliver Christensen move to AC Florence for around 4.5 million euros after the start of the 2023/24 second division season, a new number one had to be found. The choice fell on youngster Tjark Ernst, also because Marius Gersbeck, a hot contender for the position, was suspended after a serious fight and had to appear in court in Austria. Now Gersbeck is reportedly about to return to the squad. Ernst therefore marks his territory as a precaution.
“I see it so clearly that I am number 1. It has already been clearly communicated by Pal Dardai that I am number 1 here. That’s why I assume that I will remain that way,” the “Bild” quoted him as saying 20-year-old who has already conceded 13 goals in six games, but still mostly performed well in goal for Hertha BSC.
The newspaper speculates that there probably won’t be a quick changing of the guard anyway. Gersbeck, whose rumored comeback in team training is not without controversy, has only been training individually for weeks, is “under special observation” after his absence and therefore has to take a back seat.
No change in Hertha BSC’s goal in the first half of the season?
“Ernst will continue to have his regular place at least until the winter break!” Bild is certain.
This is also suggested by the words that coach Dardai chose after Ernst’s first appearance of the season in the DFB Cup at Carl Zeiss Jena (5-0). “Tjark remains number 1, regardless of whether he makes mistakes,” Dardai stated surprisingly clearly at the time. And further: “Tjark is a stable boy. He can thank his father and mother, the home he comes from. The thank you is not for me or for us. No, we simply trust him to do the job .”
It remains to be seen how Gersbeck reacts; he should actually be part of the team training again shortly and possibly shine with strong performances. However, it should be very clear to the 28-year-old that he cannot make too big demands.