From BZ/dpa
The licensing issue has not yet been resolved. But Hertha BSC is rearranging itself. The youth course is being promoted. Now everyone is waiting for a decision from Pal Dardai.
The great uncertainty of the unresolved licensing issue hovers over everything. But at Hertha BSC, it’s the small signs that should give courage for a better future. On Monday, sports director Benjamin Weber posed with Pascal Klemens for a photo in the office of the second division soccer team. The contract extension of the 18-year-old central defender until 2026 was to be celebrated two days after his professional debut in the 2-1 Bundesliga farewell at VfL Wolfsburg.
Weber and Klemens smiled politely at the camera for the obligatory photo with the players jersey. But the overall strangely dark recording looked little like departure.
Whether and when Klemens will play again for Hertha in the Bundesliga, nobody can say seriously at the moment. These are the days of uncertainty for Berliners. This will not change much until the license decision by the German Football League is expected on June 21st. Hertha must provide proof of liquidity by then.
In addition to Klemens’ signature, there were other clarified personal details on the Pentecost weekend. Stevan Jovetic and Chidera Ejuke are leaving the club, as is Ivan Sunjic, who was recently suspended after a dispute with coach Pal Dardai. Attacker Florian Niederlechner, on the other hand, remains as another veteran after Peter Pekarik. “We had several talks weeks ago, and they were very good. We screwed up. And I’m one of those people who want to try to make up for it,” said Niederlechner, explaining why he was staying in Berlin.
Florian Niederlechner has extended at Hertha Photo: picture alliance / nordphoto GmbH / Engler | nordphoto GmbH / Engler
A very important signal is still expected this week. All face Pal Dardai. The evidence suggests that the 47-year-old will remain as head coach. It would be a sign both internally and externally. “Everyone knows what he has in Pal Dardai. He’s a club icon. Every fan loves him,” said Niederlechner. Nobody knows the club better than the Hungarian. Nobody would have so much credit with a possible bumpy start in the 2nd division. “Next week you’ll find out whether we’re going to continue working or not,” said Dardai.
The continuation of the commitment would also be important for Klemens. Dardai has a connection to the young players. In Wolfsburg he already hinted at the no-alternative personnel concept, allowing goalkeeper Tjark Ernst (20), striker Ibrahim Maza (17) and attacker Tony Rölke (20) to play in addition to central defender Klemens.
Hertha young stars, which also include players such as Marton Dardai (21), Jessic Ngankam (22) and Linus Gechter (19), should and must be a pillar for the Bundesliga return given the empty box office. “The young players are good at Hertha BSC. You have to give them a chance and also have a bit of patience,” said Dardai.
Ibrahim Maza is considered an offensive talent Photo: City Press GmbH
Maza is already the big glimmer of hope. His Bundesliga premiere goal in Wolfsburg underlined this again. Dardai thinks highly of the potential playmaker. “Ibo was my player in the U16s,” explained Dardai. “I said to him at the time: If you keep being so lazy, you won’t get anywhere. You have a talent like no other in the Hertha BSC youth team. This is indescribable. A talent from God,” said Dardai. The Berliners can use supernatural support at the moment.