Hertha BSC Aims to Break Home Struggles as Coach Leitl Prepares for Challenge

Hertha BSC is currently grappling with a challenging home performance in the 2. Bundesliga, where they have secured only one point from three matches and failed to score any goals. Coach Stefan Leitl is determined to rectify this situation in the upcoming match against Preußen Münster, set for Saturday at 13:00.

Leitl has emphasized the need for a shift in mentality among the players as they prepare to take on their opponents at the Olympiastadion. The pressure is palpable in their home ground, and Leitl has described the team's current state as being caught in a 'hamster wheel.' He noted that the players are struggling to harness the energy and cohesion required to perform effectively on the pitch. The unique atmosphere of the Olympiastadion seems to amplify their efforts, leading to a tendency to overthink their performance.

Leitl remarked that the team must maintain control and adhere to their fundamental principles instead of getting caught up in the desire to impress. He clarified that they do not need to deliver a spectacle; rather, the focus should be on achieving results. The coach pointed to the successful away performances, including recent victories over Hannover 96 and 1. FC Nürnberg, as examples of how the team can play result-oriented football.

In light of the injury to striker Dawid Kownacki, new signing Sebastian Gröning is expected to step into the forward position, with Luca Schuler serving as his backup. Additionally, veteran midfielder Diego Demme could be on the verge of a return to the lineup.

Hertha's position in the league is currently unsatisfactory, sitting 13th with only eight points from seven matches. They have managed to secure two victories, but these results fall short of the club's aspirations. In their previous encounter with Münster this season, Hertha advanced after a tense, scoreless match that concluded with a 5:3 victory in a penalty shootout during the first round of the cup.

However, Leitl has stated that this earlier encounter will not be used as a blueprint for their upcoming match. Instead, the focus of their preparations has been primarily on the shootout segment, aiming to refine their approach ahead of the clash.