Those responsible at Hertha BSC are jealous of London, Madrid and Paris. In European cities, clubs like Real, Atlético, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham or PSG have enjoyed their status as top European clubs for decades. The old lady from Berlin, on the other hand, lives as a gray mouse.
That should change. With the help of investor Lars Windhorst, Hertha wants to become a “Big City Club”. The change is in full swing, the wallets are as big as the ambitions. The Herthanians have a concrete plan: new stars are to bring the capital club to the top of Europe.
88 million for four players
Dodi Lukebakio (22) came from FC Watford in the summer for the club’s record transfer fee of 20 million euros. Half a year later, the Belgian is already rid of his title. Herthan recently paid 25 million for Lucas Tousart (22), although the midfielder will only join the team in the summer.
In addition, the commitment of Krzysztof Piatek (24) from AC Milan for 23 million is imminent. Matheus Cunha (20) from RB Leipzig is also expected to come. Cost: 18 million.
Hertha is serious, the message is clear. However, it is not clear whether the Berliners’ plan will actually work and lift the club into European spheres. It is already apparent that not all players agree with the old lady’s new direction. Within a few days, three actors complained publicly and loudly about their situation.
Trio complains
It started with Arne Maier, who announced on Sunday that he wanted to leave his home club this winter. After the obligations of Ascacíbar and Tousart, the 21-year-old no longer feels valued. This was followed by Salomon Kalou, who, with a view to Jürgen Klinsmann, said that he would “disrespectful“Treated.
The final point was set by Niklas Stark yesterday. He had tried several times to speak to Klinsmann about his current role as a reservist, but still had no explanation from the trainer.
Officially, the statements are no problem for those responsible for Hertha. “That does not surprise me. There is always a lot of movement in the transfer period. There are many rumors, speculations and dissatisfied players“Assistant coach Alexander Nouri said at a press conference. Klinsmann stands for “an open and transparent exchange with the players“.
Hertha scares away her own stars
However, it should not be dismissed that just three established forces express their dissatisfaction. Maier is considered the most talented home-grown that the Berliners have produced over many years. Stark is a German international and one of the most valuable players in the squad. The 34-year-old Kalou hardly plays a role in sport, but is an internationally known star with radiance.
The fact that it is precisely these players who make public criticism does not shed any good light on Hertha – and above all on internal communication. The club must actually have an interest in installing Maier and Stark as cornerstones of the team of the future – regardless of expensive newcomers.
It seems that those responsible for Hertha have lost sight of the actual foundation of the team through the feverish search for new stars. This is currently being undermined rather than strengthened. This creates a bad mood. And that could be expensive for the club in the relegation battle.
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