From BZ/dpa
With Tolga Cigerci returning, Hertha BSC’s style of play could change again.
“If you have very good central midfielders, it’s clear that the solution could be a structural change,” said Coach Sandro Black in a press conference on the game at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday (3.30 p.m.).
On the last day of the transfer period, the Berliners had Tolga Cigerci committed by MKE Ankaragücü.
Cigerci, who played in midfield for Hertha between 2013 and 2016, is an option for Schwarz for next Saturday. “He is in full possession of his strength and in rhythm,” said the 44-year-old, who appreciates the personality and mentality of the 30-year-old. Schwarz will see whether Cigerci can quickly make friends with the tactical processes of the Bundesliga team, which is in serious sporting difficulties, in the remaining training sessions.
New Hertha player Florian Niederlechner (left), here with Marco Richter, could be in the starting XI for the first time in Frankfurt Photo: City Press
The second winter newcomer, Florian Niederlechner, seems to be one step further. After his thigh injury, the 32-year-old striker made his debut for Hertha in the 2-0 defeat against Union last Saturday in the 69th minute.
Starting eleven debut for Niederlechner?
“Flo was in normal everyday life for the first week. The fact that Hertha is like that was also new to him,” said Schwarz, referring to the three defeats within a week and the separation from sporting director Fredi Bobic, “but he shows great character and great behavior in training.” It is possible that the former Augsburger will appear in Frankfurt from the start.
In any case, Jonjoe Kenny is in the starting eleven after surviving concussion. “Jonjoe is in full possession of his powers,” says coach Schwarz, who is relieved of the decision between Kenny and his deputy Peter Pekarik. The 36-year-old Slovakian is suffering from a capsule injury in his hip and is out.