Students ahead of Hertha's blockbuster start: "Games of truth" - Hertha BSC’s promotion push heats up with Schalke 04 showdown
Hertha BSC are gearing up for the second half of the 2. Bundesliga season with a training camp in Lagos, Portugal. Coach Stefan Leitl, in charge since early 2025, has set his sights on promotion as the team prepares for a tough restart against league leaders Schalke 04 on January 17. The club currently sits sixth but faces a critical run of fixtures that could shape their push for the top flight.
The team’s preparations include a friendly against Belgian side Standard Liège on Friday, January 13. This warm-up will serve as a final test before the competitive action resumes.
Striker Luca Schuler, who has netted seven goals in the league and cup this season, believes the upcoming matches will decide Hertha’s promotion fate. After battling injuries earlier in the campaign, he is now close to full fitness. However, he faces strong competition for his starting role from Dawid Kownacki and Sebastian Grønning. Hertha’s schedule includes clashes against several teams above them in the table. The first challenge comes against Schalke 04, a match Leitl’s side has targeted as a must-win. The club’s ambition is clear: secure victories in every game of the Rückrunde to climb the standings.
Hertha BSC return to competitive action with a high-stakes encounter against Schalke 04. Their performance in the coming weeks will determine whether they can close the gap on the promotion spots. The team’s focus remains on consistency as they chase a Bundesliga return.
