Football Season Guide

Hertha Berlin proved to be the surprise act of last season as they finished in seventh place. That was despite their form falling off badly in the latter part of the season as they had occupied a top four spot for most of the campaign. Unfortunately for the Berlin club that form continued in this season as Pal Dardai’s men were knocked out of the Europa League at the third qualifying stage at the hands of Danish side Brondby. Dardai will see that as a big missed opportunity but they will need to put that behind them and try to focus on getting back into that competition this season. For the second season in a row Dardai has made very few signings but after a large cull last year, not many players have left either. The likes of Sascha Burchert, Roy Beerens and Hajime Hosogai were all deemed surplus to requirements last year and were loaned out but have now left the club permanently. They will not be big losses to the starting team but the sale of Tolga Cigerci to Galatasaray certainly sees one of the better players in the team leaving. His position as midfielder playmaker could eventually be taken by Brazilian midfielder Allan Rodriguez de Souza who signs on loan from Liverpool for a season. He might bring a bit more flair to a side who were known for their workmanlike attitude last year but often played very dull football. However a solid team of hard workers is just what Dardai wants to shape his team into. The squad has good depth with a few positions looking very strong such as in goal where Thomas Kraft will fight it out with Rune Jarstein for the number one jersey. In midfield as well there are also some very talented players such as break out start of last year Vladimir Darida. Shortly before the start of the season Fabian Lustenberger was stripped of the captaincy which has been handed to Vedad Ibisevic. This could prove a controversial decision and it remains to be seen what impact that will have on the squad overall. If the disciplinarian Dardai has anything to do with then the players will have to accept. Although Hertha did well to get into the top seven last year they may lack the quality to do so again this year. They have plenty of talented younger players but they look more like a mid table team overall.