This Bundesliga 2 season, Hertha BSC's focus heading into their DFB Cup round of 16 match against Hamburger SV (HSV) is unwavering – it's all about the game at hand. Sporting director Benjamin Weber made it clear to the German Press Agency that their aspirations for a potential DFB Cup final are on the backburner, focusing instead on the excitement of their home game and the potential 55,000-strong crowd at the Olympiastadion.
Fans in Berlin have long held dreams of their professional team reaching the DFB Cup final at their home Olympic Stadium. Although their amateur team made it there in 1993, they fell short against Bayer Leverkusen. The professionals haven't advanced past the semi-finals since the cup has annually been held in the capital since 1985.
Financially speaking, a win against HSV would be a significant boon for the cash-strapped Berlin club. Advancing means additional income, with quarter-finalists receiving 1,724,800 euros and semi-finalists netting 3,449,600 euros. Weber acknowledged that every penny counts for the struggling Hertha BSC.
With a victorious past against HSV in the cup, Hertha BSC aims to demonstrate their improved team performance against the league rivals. In their most recent league match, the Berlin side lost to Hamburg 3-0. However, the team is determined to showcase their growth in the upcoming DFB Cup encounter.
Hertha BSC's current situation is riddled with challenges, including defensive and attacking issues, past defeats against HSV, and coaching changes. But, their aspirations are high – to regain confidence, harness their competitive spirit, and potentially cause an upset against their stronger opponents – even if the odds aren't in their favor.
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Enrichment Data: Hertha BSC's financial situation and past performances against HSV weave an intricate story leading up to their DFB Cup match. The club's recurring financial troubles and poor investments – notably from previous investors like Lars Windhorst and 777 Partners – have heavily impacted their abilities to strengthen their squad.
Historically, Hertha BSC's record against HSV has been less than stellar. They've suffered defeats in 3 out of their last 6 encounters, showcasing their vulnerabilities against the Hamburg team. Their most recent match ended in a 3-2 defeat, illustrating the difficulties they face against the rival side.
The club's recent form has also been volatile. Struggling with avoidable errors, they've been unable to secure victories despite outshooting opponents. This unstable performance prompted the club to make a coaching change, with Cristian Fiél being replaced by Stefan Leitl – who was previously dismissed by Hannover in December.
Given these factors, Hertha BSC is eager to renew their competitive drive and potentially cause an upset against HSV. Their primary objectives include regaining team morale, giving their players a much-needed outlet, and potentially attracting new investors or sponsors with a memorable DFB Cup performance. While success against HSV is unlikely given their historical struggles and current form, they aim to leave a lasting impact and stage a memorable comeback.
