Hertha BSC: A Coaching Carousel and a Fight for survival
The writing was on the wall for Tayfun Korkut even before Hertha BSC’s 2-0 defeat against Borussia Mönchengladbach. By Saturday evening, the club’s manager, Fredi Bobic, was already hinting at a change, stating that the club would “discuss it calmly” and make a comment the following day.
Korkut’s dismissal on Sunday morning, after a mere 11 games in charge, was hardly a surprise. The club’s official statement cited an “intensive analysis and evaluation” of the team’s performance, leading to the decision to part ways with Korkut.
The dismissal was notably poignant given the involvement of Lothar Matthäus, a Sky expert and former Hertha legend. Matthäus, who has a close connection with former Hertha coach Pal Dardai, publicly suggested Dardai as Korkut’s replacement, highlighting the perceived mistake Bobic made in firing Dardai in November.
Hertha BSC currently sits second from bottom in the Bundesliga table, with only eight games remaining to avoid relegation.The club’s point average under Korkut had plummeted to a dismal 0.67 per game, making a coaching change a necessity.
while Bobic acknowledged Korkut’s initial success,stating that he “had a promising start with seven points from the first four games,” the team’s subsequent performance decline was undeniable.The search for Korkut’s successor is already underway, with names like Niko Kovac, Friedhelm Funkel, and Markus Gisdol being floated. However, attracting top-tier coaches to a club facing relegation remains a challenge.
Adding to the drama, Hertha BSC still employs former coaches Bruno Labbadia and Pal Dardai, further fueling speculation about potential replacements.
The irony of the situation is not lost on manny. Dardai’s pragmatic style of play, previously criticized by Bobic, seems to be the very thing Hertha BSC needs to survive.
Korkut’s final games where marked by questionable decisions, including fielding eight defensive players against Gladbach and relying on Davie Selke, a striker whose Bundesliga capabilities remain a subject of debate.
Adding to the club’s woes, only one player signed by Bobic, Marc-Oliver Kempf, started against Gladbach. Kempf, who joined from relegation-threatened VfB Stuttgart, has been criticized by some Hertha fans for his performances.
Bobic himself admitted that the squad needs meaningful advancement, stating that “we would prefer to swap entirely different things.” This candid assessment reflects the depth of the club’s problems.
Since 2019,investor Lars Windhorst has poured €374 million into Hertha BSC.However, the club’s performance on the pitch has not reflected this investment.
Hertha BSC now faces an existential crisis, with relegation looming large. The club’s president, Werner Gegenbauer, has been criticized for his lack of visible action, despite the gravity of the situation.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Hertha BSC. Finding the right coach and making strategic signings will be essential if the club is to avoid relegation and rebuild for the future.
Can Hertha Escape teh Drop? A Conversation with Former Bundesliga Star, Mehmet Scholl
Hertha BSC, a club steeped in history and tradition, finds itself staring down the barrel of relegation. With only eight games left in the season and a new coach at the helm, can the “Old Lady of Berlin” pull off a miraculous escape? To get some insight into this rollercoaster of a situation, we sat down with former Bayern Munich and German international star Mehmet Scholl, a man who knows the Bundesliga inside and out.
Moderator: Mehmet, thank you for joining us. The situation at Hertha BSC seems dire. Eleven games, eight points, and a revolving door of coaches – what are your thoughts on the club’s predicament?
Mehmet Scholl: It’s a mess, plain and simple. There’s been a lack of direction,poor decision-making,and frankly,some questionable choices when it comes to personnel. Fredi Bobic’s gamble on Tayfun Korkut clearly didn’t pay off, and now they’re scrambling to find someone who can stabilize the ship before it sinks.
Moderator: You mentioned poor decisions. Do you think Bobic’s handling of the situation with Pal Dardai was a mistake?
Scholl: Honestly, yes, I do. Dardai might not be the most glamorous coach, but he knew how to get results from Hertha, playing a style of football that suited the team’s strengths. Firing him appeared to be a knee-jerk reaction, and now they’re looking to bring him back. It’s a very odd situation.
Moderator: With names like Niko Kovac and Friedhelm Funkel being thrown around, who do you see as the right man for the job?
Scholl: They need someone experienced, someone who can come in and instill discipline and tactical institution promptly. Kovac has the pedigree, but Funkel might be a safer bet against relegation. he knows the league inside out and has a knack for getting struggling teams over the line.
Moderator: The thing is, Mehmet, convincing a top-tier coach to take on a club in Hertha’s position isn’t easy.
Scholl: Absolutely, the lure of relegation battles isn’t exactly appealing. Plus, they have the added baggage of a disillusioned fan base and a president who seems reluctant to make tough decisions.Whoever takes the job is walking into a firestorm.
Moderator: Bobic did admit that the squad needs “meaningful advancement,” and their recent signings haven’t necessarily set the bundesliga alight.
Scholl: Look, it’s not just about throwing money at the problem. They need players who fit the system and who are hungry to fight for their place in the team. it’s about unity, spirit, and finding that collective identity that’s been missing.
Moderator: With Lars Windhorst’s meaningful investment, expectations were high. Where do you think things went wrong?
Scholl: It’s a classic case of money not guaranteeing success. You need smart management, astute recruitment, a clear vision, and a touch of luck. Somewhere along the way, Hertha BSC lost track of those fundamentals.
Moderator: Mehmet, do you think Hertha can avoid the drop?
Scholl: It’s going to be incredibly tough. They have the quality to stay up, but they need a sense of urgency, a change in mentality, and most importantly, a coach who can inspire them. Without those elements, it could be a very long and painful summer for the club and its supporters.
The Big Question: Can Hertha BSC salvage their season?
Share your thoughts in the comments below. What changes do they need to make to survive? who should be their next coach? Let’s discuss!
