Rune Jarstein celebrated his comeback in the Hertha goal in Babelsberg Photo: City Press
By Paul Gorgas
Hertha’s fans have been waiting for this return for 468 days and a half!
Keeper Rune Jarstein (37) is back in the Hertha goal in the 1-0 friendly at Babelsberg, comes on for regular goalkeeper Oliver Christensen in the half-time break – and is celebrated by the entire Karl Liebknecht Stadium.
Jarstein: “It was unusual, but very nice to be back on the pitch. I feel good, step on the gas and if the coach needs me, I’m ready.”
Kevin-Prince Boateng in a running duel with Daniel Frahn from Babelsberg Photo: City Press
Jarstein in the Hertha box – that was last in March 2021 in the 3-0 win against Leverkusen. Shortly thereafter, the long-standing regular goalkeeper fell ill with Corona, suffered from heart muscle inflammation and was banned from playing sports. Knee surgery and lengthy rehabilitation followed.
Jarstein has little to do on his comeback, only wobbling when he loses the ball in the 58th minute to Babelsberg’s Steinborn, who hit the outside of the post. Jarstein laughing: “I made it exciting.”
Davie Selke climbs up to the header in the turmoil Photo: City Press
In the first half, his colleagues laid the foundation for the second win in the second friendly: Marco Richter scored in the 9th minute with a left-footed shot to make it 1-0. Coach Sandro Schwarz’s side (43) are tired against the fourth division after the Kienbaum training camp. The pros miss many chances under the eyes of new president Kay Bernstein (41) and manager Fredi Bobic (50).
President Kay Bernstein sat in the tribune in Babelsberg Photo: City Press
Schwarz: “That was neat, we played seriously. The shortcoming was not having closed the game earlier.”
