Stefan Leitl Makes Cautious Start at Hertha BSC: No Major Changes Expected for Nürnberg Clash
After only three training sessions with his new squad, Stefan Leitl is opting for a conservative approach when selecting his starting XI for Friday’s crucial match against 1. FC Nürnberg.
"There hasn’t been enough time for significant adjustments," Leitl explained. "We’ve tried to introduce some new ideas, but only within the realm of what’s feasible. So, the lineup won’t be drastically different."
Hertha fans are eagerly anticipating who will be given the nod in goal. Under Leitl’s predecessor, Cristian Fiél, Marius Gersbeck was preferred over Tjark Ernst, a decision that puzzled many supporters, given Ernst’s consistent performances.
Hertha’s Woes Continue
Hertha’s poor form has seen them slide down to 14th place in the Bundesliga standings after four consecutive defeats. Promotion hopes have been replaced by relegation fears, as the team struggles to score goals and is prone to defensive errors.
"Yesterday, we focused on improving our defense," Leitl said. "Today, we worked on our attacking play. But we don’t want to overload the players with information. We want them to be clear and confident."
The new coach has held numerous discussions with his players. "It’s been straightforward settling in," said the 47-year-old. "The excitement for tomorrow night’s game is palpable."
Nürnberg Posing a Threat
Nürnberg, coached by Miroslav Klose, have lost just one of their last six games and will pose a formidable challenge for Hertha.
Leitl’s Cautious Optimism
Despite Hertha’s struggles, Leitl remains optimistic. "The team is hungry to prove itself," he said. "We’ll give everything we have tomorrow and see where it takes us."
Lineup Speculation
While Leitl has hinted at minimal changes to the starting XI, there is some speculation that Davie Selke could make way for Wilfried Kanga up front. Lucas Tousart is also expected to return to the midfield, replacing Tolga Cigerci.
Nürnberg’s Form Gives Cause for Concern
Hertha cannot afford to underestimate Nürnberg, who have shown resilience under Klose’s guidance. The Bavarians are known for their physicality and defensive solidity, and Hertha will need to find a way to break them down.
Hertha’s Response is Crucial
The match against Nürnberg is a pivotal moment for Hertha. A win would boost morale and ease relegation fears, while another defeat would only heighten the pressure on Leitl and his players.
The Hertha faithful will be hoping that their new coach can inspire a turnaround in fortunes, starting with a positive result against Nürnberg.
