There is a huge crisis in Berlin: Labbadia compresses Hertha professionals

Monday, December 21, 2020

There is a huge crisis in Berlin
Labbadia compresses Hertha professionals

Big ambitions, small successes: Hertha BSC is lagging behind its growing demands. Before Christmas, the Berliners are closer to the relegation battle than the European Cup. Trainer Bruno Labbadia lacks understanding – especially for one of his professionals.

Only good manners hadn't been damaged. "Merry Christmas and all the best", said Bruno Labbadia when they said goodbye to the short holiday break. However, the Hertha BSC coach had previously made sure that there would be no happy holidays at the Berlin Bundesliga club.

After the 1: 4 (0: 1) at SC Freiburg, the 54-year-old put his protégés, who do not live up to the expectations of the "Big City Club", into the laces. The rant began with sarcasm. "We saw in the first half how not to do it. We showed that very well," said Labbadia at first – before he then cursed unequivocally. "We didn't adhere to tactical guidelines. We showed a face that didn't work at all," the coach railed: "Some people think they can do their thing on their own. I don't understand that."

Who Labbadia was referring to in particular was no secret. After all, the coach had loudly criticized his star Matheus Cunha several times during the first round and replaced him at the break. That's why Labbadia had no problem scapegoating the Brazilian international. "His appearance in the first half was a 'no go', that was underground. His body language pulls himself down, he doesn't perform well, he pulls the others down," said Labbadia the 21-year-old: "Because he's important and can make the difference, we've been talking about it for weeks. But it's getting worse. We don't know why that's so. He's still young, but he has to change it as quickly as possible. "

"We are right there"

Cunha vowed to get better soon – even if his comment on Twitter can be read as a criticism of Labbadia. "There are people who talk a lot – but I really play for our Hertha and those who really want to help," wrote the offensive player: "I'll improve and give you Cunha back."

After all, Labbadia admitted that not only Cunha is responsible for the weak record of 13 points after 13 games and the disappointing 14th place in the table. "He wasn't alone. I can't stand in front of the team this time. We get the receipt for the things we can't afford," said the coach: "I'm annoyed about where we might be. But now we're standing rightly there. We have to be honest about that. " The reality for Hertha is called relegation battle. Despite Lars Windhorst's investment of millions, the capital city residents are only three points ahead of the relegation place. The envisaged participation in the European Cup appears illusory.

In the first game of the coming year, Hertha will have to prove on January 2nd that they can beat Schalke 04. Until then, things will remain uneasy in Berlin – also and especially for Labbadia. Good manners will only help to a limited extent.