By Roberto Lamprecht and Carsten Priefer
That only happens in football!
In just a few months, ex-Unioner Toni Leistner (33) has eliminated all prejudices after moving to Bundesliga relegated Hertha BSC. The biggest bogeyman for some ultra fans has become an absolute fan favorite and captain for all Hertha symphatizers!
In the summer, he was welcomed to his first training session with the following poster from an Ultra group: “Leistner, get the fuck out of our club.” Bad words, just because it came from an unloved neighbor in Köpenick.
In Hertha’s first home game against Wehen Wiesbaden (0-1), there was a poster in the east curve – which was addressed to their own club: “A proud Unioner for a new beginning. Is that your Hertha DNA?”
The tide has now completely turned. Leistner was promoted to the new Hertha boss with captain’s armband by Hertha coach Pal Dardai (47) after the surprising lightning move from captain Marco Richter (25) to Mainz. Leistner has also fought his way into the hearts of the fans!
Impressive: Toni Leistner won 72 percent of his duels – this is the highest value in the entire 2nd Bundesliga (for players who have completed at least two thirds of the maximum possible playing time/source: Sportec Solutions)!
“Toni Leistner is our problem solver!”
Hertha’s fans are now cheering Leistner loudly. Supporters, teammates and coaches are also enthusiastic about him.
Coach Dardai enthuses: “He is our problem solver! We are incredibly happy that it works so well for us. He has air and stamina, and although he is not the fastest, he is always there in critical situations because he has outstanding positional play and can anticipate situations.”
Dardai continued: “Toni is incredibly strong in duels, a fighter. He’s a complete professional, a really good athlete and also an absolutely great guy in his private life.”