Hertha's coach, Launiger Leitl, repeatedly mentioned the word "ascend" during his speech.
Fresh Take:
Berlin - Hertha's sights are set high once again, and coach Stefan Leitl displayed a cool demeanor, even in the early phases of training. When asked about his star player Paul Seguin, Leitl deftly hinted, "If he doesn't impress, then the reward is the bench."
Apparently, the term 'promotion' has been tossed around a whopping three times during these first few days. The no-nonsense native Munich kept it straightforward, but he didn't skimp on expressing his ambitions for the upcoming season.
"With much of the team remaining intact, we've laid a solid foundation," Leitl shared. "But we're definitely in need of one or two key additions to elevate our quality."
Hertha continues its search, particularly on the left wing and upfront. "Our plan is well in motion, and should a tempting player present an opportunity, we'll be ready," Leitl declared.
The acquisition of Seguin sends a clear message to the second division competition. "We could've easily landed one of the top midfielders in this league," Leitl explained. "It was important to stress that we've got the clout."
Hertha kicked off their preparation on Monday, intent on promoting back to the Bundesliga. Their first test match is set for Saturday (1:00 PM) against Ludwigsfelder FC.
Central midfield seems to be a strong suit for Leitl, despite some missing dynamism. "We've got options aplenty, though we lack the spark that Ibo Maza provided," he admitted.
Leitl also singled out the impressive 15-year-old Kennet Eichhorn, currently training with the pros. "He's impressingphysically and intellectually, and his hunger to learn stands out," Leitl praised. However, managing the teenager's workload is crucial, as he recovers from a prolonged injury and gains attention from top-tier clubs.
Rumors swirled over the weekend about Ralf Rangnick as a potential contender for the vacant managing director role. Regrettably, this doesn't seem likely for now, although Leitl found the idea an exciting prospect.
"Think about it—Ralf Rangnick is considering Hertha! That's a huge sign for us," Leitl reflected. "While the top position is still unoccupied, it doesn't rattle me, as my primary contact remains sports director Benjamin Weber."
Leitl and the team are dead-set on achieving promotion this season. "I can sense the exhilaration, but it's up to us to generate that momentum." With only one mission in mind, Leitl emphasized, "Promotion is our sole objective." [Sources: 3]
Sports such as football are central to Hertha's ambitions this season, with an eye on key additions to their roster in the European leagues. Coach Stefan Leitl is eager to elevate their quality on the left wing and upfront, as part of their strategy to regain a spot in the Bundesliga.
