Hertha Coach Leitl: 'No Freebies' for Young Players - Hertha BSC faces Fortuna Düsseldorf with depleted squad and revised ambitions
Hertha BSC prepares for a crucial clash against Fortuna Düsseldorf this Sunday at 1:30 p.m. CET. The match, broadcast on DAZN, comes as the Berlin side faces injury and suspension setbacks. Head coach Stefan Leitl has also ruled out increased opportunities for young players, despite promotion looking unlikely.
Defender John Anthony Brooks will miss the game due to a thigh injury, with medical staff still assessing its severity. Midfielder Michaël Cuisance is also unavailable after picking up a fifth yellow card. His suspension leaves a gap in the midfield for the Düsseldorf encounter.
Maurice Krattenmacher, the Bayern Munich loanee, will not start on Sunday. However, Leitl confirmed the forward is expected to return to the starting XI after the international break. The coach remains cautious, stating, *'We won't be giving out any freebies. Minutes have to be earned.'* Fortuna Düsseldorf enters the match in better form, having scored nine goals in their last nine games. Leitl acknowledged their improvement under Markus Anfang, describing the opposition as well-organised and dangerous. Despite this, he has set a sixth-place finish as the revised target for Hertha's season.
Hertha BSC will field a weakened side against a resurgent Düsseldorf team. With promotion now out of reach, Leitl's focus shifts to consolidating a mid-table position. The result could further shape the club's approach for the remainder of the campaign.
