By Roberto Lamprecht, Paul Gorgas and Robert Matiebel
After the fifth derby bankruptcy in a row, events at Hertha are overturning. Two and a half hours after the final whistle, the club announces: Manager Fredi Bobic (51) is fired!
A statement reads: “Fredi Bobic is no longer Managing Director Sport at Hertha BSC with immediate effect. The Presidium, together with the Supervisory Board of Hertha BSC e. V. decided unanimously to release its Managing Director Sport, Fredi Bobic, from his duties with immediate effect.”
His contract in Berlin originally ran until the summer of 2024. Now the Hertha exit.
According to BZ information, an exit scenario has been in preparation for some time. The relationship between the ultra-close Hertha President Kay Bernstein and Bobic was considered broken.
Hertha President Kay Bernstein Photo: Soeren Stache/dpa
Just a few weeks ago, Fredi Bobic was traded as Bierhoff’s successor at the DFB. Bernstein explained at the time: “Travellers should not be held up.”
In the end, however, Bobic rejected the DFB task. “I said: first make a profile before you approach people. For me it’s a very relaxed situation. I’m happy at Hertha, I have a demanding job and I really enjoy it. I only think of Hertha BSC, I live in the here and now. The boys, the coaching team – I’ve grown fond of them. It’s really fun for me, definitely different than a year ago,” said Bobic.
Disappointed faces at Hertha: coach Sandro Schwarz and Kevin Prince Boateng Photo: Soeren Stache/dpa
Now Hertha is even deeper in the relegation battle. The team will face Frankfurt, Gladbach and Dortmund in the coming weeks before Augsburg comes to the Olympic Stadium at the end of February. At the latest, points are urgently needed if you don’t want to relegate after 2012.
And now, by the end of the transfer period on Tuesday (January 31), a number of players are to be brought in to save them from the league. The rumor: The negotiations with these players are said to have been conducted without Bobic’ knowledge. The ex-manager had emphasized to the end that there was no money for further transfers …
Explosive: According to BZ information, Hertha President Kay Bernstein had already invited to a meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the stadium before the derby. It should officially be about the deal with US investor 777.
Coach Schwarz – whose chair is now likely to wobble – and his coaching team are said to have been informed of Bobic’s dismissal before the club’s official announcement. The players, on the other hand, only found out about it from the media …