Hertha BSC Faces Major Squad Challenges Ahead of DFB-Pokal Match

Hertha BSC is gearing up for an important DFB-Pokal encounter, aiming to rectify their rocky start to the second division season. The team, however, is grappling with significant personnel issues ahead of their match against Preußen Münster.

Head coach Stefan Leitl is facing a tough challenge as he prepares for this first-round cup match scheduled for Monday at 18:00 (Sky). With ten players sidelined due to injuries or suspensions, the coach's options are severely limited. The condition of defender Niklas Kolbe, who is battling an infection, remains uncertain.

Despite these setbacks, the coach expressed his optimism about the team's ability to perform well and advance to the next round of the tournament. He plans to incorporate penalty shootout drills into the remaining training sessions, highlighting the importance of being prepared for all eventualities.

For Leitl, the DFB-Pokal presents an opportunity for redemption following a disappointing start in league play, where the club secured only one point from their first two matches. He emphasized the significance of this tournament, which has gained prestige in recent years, as a chance to correct the course of their season.

After recent performances, including a 2-1 defeat to Schalke and a goalless draw against Karlsruher SC, the team is eager to showcase their capabilities on the field and achieve their first competitive win of the season.

As Hertha prepares to face Münster, a team they previously defeated in the cup in 2009 and 2021, Leitl anticipates a balanced match, although the home advantage lies with the Westphalians. He noted that given Münster's status as a mid-table second division team, the cup draw could not have been more challenging for his squad.