Hertha Berlin Prepares for Bundesliga Season in Kitzbühel

Hertha Berlin's training camp in Kitzbühel marks a crucial phase as the team gears up for the upcoming 2. Bundesliga season. Under the guidance of head coach Stefan Leitl, the team aims to enhance their fitness and cohesion while addressing some pressing injury concerns.

As the squad embarks on this week-long training journey in the scenic Austrian Alps, several challenges loom, particularly the presence of multiple injured players. Following a recent victory in a friendly against TSV Havelse, Leitl expressed his continued frustration over the team's injury situation, which has seen seven players struggling with various ailments.

The most significant blow came with the injury to 20-year-old defender Pascal Klemens, who faces a lengthy recovery following ankle surgery. In addition to Klemens, key players such as Paul Seguin and Deyovaisio Zeefuik are dealing with muscular issues, while Luca Schuler continues to manage hip pain. Veteran John Anthony Brooks is also a concern, having suffered a minor muscle tear, and it remains uncertain if he will travel with the team to Austria.

On the brighter side, goalkeeper Tjark Ernst is set to return to training after his holiday, providing a boost to the squad. Furthermore, young talent Maurice Krattenmacher, on loan from Bayern Munich, has made an impressive start in his new environment, contributing significantly with goals and assists in recent matches.

Leitl remains cautiously optimistic about the potential of his squad, particularly the budding partnership between Krattenmacher and striker Fabian Reese, who has shown great promise in the preseason. Nonetheless, the coach emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus and health as the team prepares for competitive play.

As the training camp progresses, Hertha will engage in a double-header on Sunday against Bröndby IF and Istanbul Basaksehir FK, both European competitors, providing an excellent opportunity for the players to gain valuable game time. Leitl noted that these matches are vital for assessing the team's preparedness ahead of their challenging season opener against FC Schalke 04 on August 1.

To wrap up their Austrian training, the team will also face Austria Vienna on July 18, further evaluating their readiness for the league.