Felix Magath describes Hertha as the most difficult task in his career. But his starting eleven plan against Union stands.
By Carsten Priefer and Paul Gorgas
The first derby of the season at Union was lost miserably (0:2), the cup round of 16 against the city rivals was messed up (2:3). Now the second leg is on the rise – for Hertha everything is at stake on Saturday (6.30 p.m., Olympiastadion, here in the BZ live ticker) in the fight for relegation against Union.
Coach Felix Magath (68) knows that too. He says to the BZ: “The boys are absolutely willing. But it is the most difficult mission of my entire career!”
That’s why he came up with a special plan: three new ones for three points!
Magath is reacting to the poor showing in Leverkusen (1-2), the performance in training and the injuries. He’s more of a psychologist than a coach at the moment. He has to get the blockades out of the players’ minds and at the same time prepare them for the derby.
also read
►Hertha’s personnel worries are getting bigger! Six players hit
►Hertha coach Magath has to solve these three derby problems
Magath changes his starting XI for this:
► Stevan Jovetic (32) will attack for Ishak Belfodil (30).. In training, Magath assistant Mark Fotheringham (38) is constantly at Jovetic’s side, pushing and praising him after every goal (“Bravo Jove, keep it up”). The Montenegro international should finally be more of a goal threat, with his experience making the difference.
► Marton Dardai (20) clears in defensive midfield for the ailing Niklas Stark (26/ankle). Magath tried to talk to Dardai and explained his tasks to him. The left-footed player has good deep passes, should put the offensive people in the limelight and intercept the Union attacks alongside Santiago Ascacibar (25).
► Linus Gechter (18) replaces Marc Kempf (27) as defender. Gechter is easygoing, robust and ambitious. He burns in every unit. That impresses Magath. Kempf is currently making too many mistakes and playing too risky.
Three new players for three points – this is what Magath’s current derby plan looks like!
