From BZ/dpa
In the training camp for England stars like Harry Kane, Hertha BSC continues to prepare for the season. The Berliners are staying on the island for twelve days, including several friendlies. Trainer Schwarz demands intensity. A constant theme accompanies him to St. George’s Park.
Sandro Schwarz has no time for five o’clock tea with Jürgen Klopp. Before leaving for England for the training camp at the Three Lions Academy, the Hertha BSC head coach once again explained the tight curriculum to his team.
“There are many, many issues that need to be addressed. Sticking with it every day, with train, with intensity and sharpness, that will be the way,” said Schwarz on the last day of training of the Bundesliga soccer team in Berlin.
On Tuesday, Hertha move into St. George’s Park north of Birmingham, where England internationals like Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling usually prepare for their international matches.
Travels to the training camp although he actually wants to leave: Santiago Ascacibar Photo: City Press
“A great facility with all the options you need,” enthused newcomer Ivan Sunjic on Monday. The Croatian is part of the lush travel group of 30 field players and four goalkeepers booked by managing director Fredi Bobic.
The debate about the Hertha squad, which is still too large, has meanwhile gotten fed up with Schwarz. “It’s not where we have a stomach ache when we sit on the plane and think, but there are quite a few,” said the 43-year-old. “Nobody has to worry that we can’t train properly or play friendlies,” added Schwarz.
Popular with the fans: newcomer Ivan Sunjic Photo: City Press
Potential sales candidates such as attacking players Krzysztof Piatek and Dodi Lukebakio and the Argentinian Santiago Ascacibar, who is willing to change, are also traveling to England.
However, defender Omar Alderete and winger Javairô Dilrosun, who were last loaned out and are considered safe transfer candidates, are not there. Forward Jessic Ngankam will miss training camp with a knee injury.
The squad may be supplemented with planned new signings. The speculation about this is now part of everyday business in the capital. Several Twitter users write incognito with alleged insider information about what they consider to be fixed transfers. Black publicly ignores the issue. What should he say? “The situation is not difficult. She is what she is, it’s not a big surprise,” said the coach about the squad conversion work, which will probably last well into August.
Hertha BSC
Black remains completely pragmatic. Work and intensity are his watchwords. He just bit back the word “satisfaction” with the pre-season so far, after all, the form is “proper”. In addition to the friendlies against Derby County (July 16), Nottingham Forest (July 20) and West Bromwich Albion (July 23), further practice games are to be arranged.
Black announces intensive training work
The host country, which is special for football romantics, hardly arouses any greater emotions in Schwarz. “The demand to develop a special team spirit has little to do with England, but of course it’s a training camp, twelve days, it will be intensive training work again,” he announced.
Does he want to meet his ex-coach Klopp, who works two hours away in Liverpool? “No, no, we didn’t agree to anything.”
