Hertha BSC Crisis: Is Fredi Bobic to Blame for Relegation Threat?

In the midst of a crisis, Hertha BSC made a decisive move by replacing their head coach. Felix Magath has been brought in to steer the team away from relegation. But who bears the duty for the club’s downward spiral?

following the dismissal of Tayfun Korkut, Hertha’s manager Fredi Bobic wasted no time in addressing the situation. “With eight matches remaining,we must secure the points needed to avoid relegation. We are fully committed to achieving this,” he stated shortly after making the tough decision to part ways with the coach.

The decision to let Korkut go came after a 2-0 loss to Borussia Mönchengladbach, leaving the club second from the bottom in the league standings. With ten consecutive winless matches and five league defeats, Bobic had no choice but to act swiftly.

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Bobic appointed the 68-year-old Felix Magath as the new head coach, tasking him with the mission to save the team from relegation.

Though, the spotlight in the coming weeks will not only be on Magath but also on Bobic himself. As the sports director, he orchestrated a major overhaul last summer, generating transfer income.Yet, despite narrowly avoiding disaster last season, the team’s performance has continued to decline.

This raises the critical question:

Has Fredi Bobic Already Failed at Hertha?

Robert Hiersmann

Head of Football and sports

Pro

Yes, He Exacerbated the Situation

The starting lineup now includes inexperienced young players, while seasoned professionals sit on the bench, seemingly unfazed by the crisis. The team’s offensive capabilities are notably lacking.It is increasingly evident that Hertha BSC is headed for relegation this season. Even magath’s intervention is unlikely to change this outcome, and the primary responsibility lies with Fredi Bobic.

It was Bobic who allowed key players like Matheus Cunha and Jhón Cordoba to leave in the summer without securing adequate replacements. He also made the controversial decision to dismiss Pál Dardai, a coach deeply familiar with the club, after just 13 matchdays, replacing him with the unsuccessful tayfun Korkut. Additionally, his winter signings, such as Dong-jun Lee, have failed to make an impact.

While Bobic is not solely to blame for the chaos, his predecessors, Michael Preetz and President Werner Gegenbauer, squandered a significant portion of the Windhorst millions before his tenure. However, Bobic’s actions have only worsened the situation.

The most disheartening realization is that Hertha BSC has been on a steady decline in recent years, and Bobic’s leadership has not reversed this trend.

Florian Wichert

Deputy Editor in chief

Against

Bobic: The Sole Beacon of Hope for Hertha

Coach korkut? A disappointment. Players like Boateng, Belfodil, and Jovetic? Equally underwhelming. Has there been any progress compared to last season? None that’s visible.

This harsh truth not only defines Hertha’s current state but also reflects Bobic’s tenure.

Yet, what can he realistically achieve with the challenges he inherited? A poorly assembled squad? A salary structure in shambles? Overhyped talents like selke? Internal conflicts between club management and investors?

Bobic is far from being the problem. Actually, he’s the solution. If the players mirrored his determination and work ethic, Hertha would be competing for a Champions League spot. Bobic stands alone as the one individual at the club with both vision and grit. His honesty and authenticity, proven during his stints at Stuttgart and Frankfurt, could guide Hertha to European competitions—if the club fully backs him.

If Hertha faces relegation,it won’t be Bobic’s fault. Conversely, if the club has any hope for the future, it lies solely with him.

Moreover, Bobic has already made strategic signings like Serdar, Richter, and Kempf—players with potential. He’s also expected to appoint a competent coach this summer. Could Joachim Löw be the surprise candidate? That would undoubtedly be the comeback story of the year. While some may doubt it, remember that Magath’s return was equally unexpected.Bobic and Löw share a history from their stuttgart days, including a memorable cup victory.Löw has always had a soft spot for Berlin, and the timing might just be right for his return. If it happens, it might very well be the next big twist in hertha’s journey.

Who Holds the Truth?

In the “Duel of the Week,” Florian Wichert (Deputy Editor-in-Chief at t-online) and Robert Hiersemann (Head of Football and Sport) provide weekly insights on the latest football debates. Catch the discussion in the video above or tune in to free TV at 9 p.m. as part of “Bundesliga Analysis” on Sport 1.

No, He Still Deserves a Chance

While Hertha BSC’s current predicament is undeniably dire, it’s premature to conclude that Fredi Bobic has already failed in his role as sports director. There are several factors to consider before passing final judgment on his tenure.

First, Bobic inherited a club in turmoil. The mismanagement of funds and poor decision-making by his predecessors, Michael Preetz and Werner Gegenbauer, left the team in a precarious position even before Bobic’s arrival. Cleaning up the mess of a poorly constructed squad was always going to be a monumental task, and Bobic has had to make tough decisions to stabilize the club’s financial and sporting situation.

Second, Bobic’s transfer strategy, while questionable in hindsight, was rooted in a long-term vision for the club. The sale of key players like Matheus cunha and Jhón Cordoba generated much-needed revenue, which could be reinvested in the squad once the financial foundations are secure.Additionally, promoting young talent is a strategy many clubs adopt to build for the future, even if it comes with short-term risks.

Third, Bobic’s decision to replace Pál Dárda with Tayfun Korkut, though unsuccessful, was made with the intention of bringing fresh ideas and a new approach to the team. While it didn’t yield the desired results, it’s a risk many directors take in search of improvement.

Bobic’s appointment of Felix Magath is a clear sign that he is determined to steer the club away from relegation.Magath’s experience and track record in rescuing teams from crises make him a strong candidate to led Hertha to safety. If magath succeeds, it will be a testament to Bobic’s decisive action in a time of crisis.

While Bobic’s decisions have undoubtedly contributed to Hertha’s struggles, it’s crucial to recognize the broader context and the challenges he inherited. Writing him off now would ignore the potential for redemption and the possibility that his long-term vision could still bear fruit.

Conclusion

The debate over Fredi Bobic’s success or failure at hertha BSC is complex. While his decisions have undeniably contributed to the club’s struggles, it’s essential to consider the circumstances he inherited and the systemic issues that predate his tenure. Whether he succeeds or fails ultimately depends on whether Hertha can avoid relegation and rebuild for the future. For now, Bobic deserves the chance to see his plans through, and the appointment of Felix Magath could be the turning point that defines his legacy at the club.