Unraveling the enigma of Hertha BSC's unexpected early-season form.
Hertha BSC Suffers Fifth Consecutive Opening Defeat in Bundesliga 2
Hertha BSC's return to the Bundesliga 2 has not started as planned, with the club suffering a fifth consecutive opening defeat following a 2-1 loss against Schalke.
The game, played at the Veltins Arena, saw Schalke dominate the early stages, scoring twice within the first 23 minutes through Moussa Sylla and Nikola Katić. Despite a late push from Hertha, they could only manage a consolation goal in the 89th minute.
Coach Stefan Leitl expressed his disappointment following the failed start to the new season, while captain Fabian Reese described the defeat as a "wake-up call". Reese admitted that the team played poorly in the match against Schalke.
Sporting director Benjamin Weber announced an "intensive analysis" following the defeat and demanded that the senses be sharpened for the game against Karlsruher SC next weekend. Weber emphasized that Hertha aims to win its first home game of the season at all costs.
Leitl, however, remained optimistic, stating that the goals remain high for Hertha, despite the defeat against Schalke. He found the first half of the opening game incomprehensible, but expressed his belief that the team can turn things around.
Regarding the plans for the next game against Karlsruher SC, specific tactical or lineup details were not mentioned. However, given Hertha's late fightback in the Schalke match and the urgency to break their streak of opening losses, it can be reasonably inferred that they will focus on improving defensive solidity and attacking efficiency to secure a positive result.
Reese, despite the defeat, stated that it would not be honest to say that Hertha is not a favorite, given the squad. He and new signing Kownacki failed to make an impact against Schalke, but the captain is hopeful for better performances in the upcoming games.
Hertha will now turn their focus to the game against Karlsruher SC, with the entire focus on securing their first win of the season. The team will be looking to put their disappointing start behind them and start their Bundesliga 2 campaign on a positive note.
In the aftermath of Hertha BSC's fifth consecutive opening defeat in Bundesliga 2, sporting director Benjamin Weber announced an "intensive analysis" and emphasized the need for sharpened senses ahead of the game against Karlsruher SC next weekend, aiming to win their first home game of the season. Despite the poor performance against Schalke, captain Fabian Reese remains hopeful for better performances, including his own and that of the new signing Kownacki, in the coming games.
