Hertha goalkeeper Tjark Ernst has just played his first U20 international match for Germany and should now be built up as a strong number 2 in Berlin Photo: City Press GmbH
By Carsten Priefer
Many clubs have long been in vacation mode – not Hertha! Now the decisive test phase starts.
One player in particular is in the sights of those responsible: U20 national goalkeeper Tjark Ernst (19).
After the 2-1 draw in Hanover, he will now be between the posts in the next three games – on Wednesday in the pros’ last friendly against Braunschweig (1 p.m./amateur stadium) and in the U23s’ regional league games against Chemnitz (December 9). and against Jena (16.12.).
Hertha tests the case of emergency!
Goalkeeping coach Andreas Menger (50): “The young players need game practice, so Tjark will now play the next games. He already did very well in Hanover, especially as a footballer on the slippery surface.”
Now the next, decisive test phase starts!
Hertha wants to find out whether Ernst (who was signed from Bochum before the season) can replace the emergency regular keeper Oliver Christensen (23) in the Bundesliga. Because after Rune Jarstein (38) was dismissed, Ernst was suddenly thrown in at the deep end in September and sat on the bench with no match practice.
Now he gets three games to convince the Hertha manager. If that works, Ernst (contract until 2026) will become a long-term representative of Christensen.
Also means that the goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow (30), who was loaned to Schalke, has no chance when he returns in the summer of 2023.
Because Hertha relies on Tjark Ernst if he shines three times now!