Hertha BSC Targets Stefan Leitl as New Head Coach
Current Situation:
Hertha BSC, a struggling Bundesliga 2 side, has parted ways with head coach Cristian Fiél and is determined to secure a new coach as soon as possible.
Stefan Leitl: The Preferred Choice
According to consistent media reports, former Hannover 96 manager Stefan Leitl is the desired candidate for the Berliner executives.
Negotiation Details:
Sky reports that only minor details remain to be ironed out between the club and the coach. Bild claims that Hertha, similar to the Fiél situation, may have to pay a transfer fee for Leitl as he holds an ascension premium in his Hannover 96 contract, which the Berliners might be obligated to compensate. This payment could become relevant if Hannover 96 manages to secure promotion on the final day of the season, which would be against Hertha itself on May 18th.
Leitl’s Background:
The 47-year-old Munich native left Hannover, a Hertha rival, shortly before the turn of the year. At the time, Hannover held the seventh position, two points behind second place. Hertha, which had high hopes of promotion at the start of the second leg, now finds itself with only a five-point lead over the 16th relegation spot.
Possible Co-Coach:
It is rumored that Leitl might bring former Hertha player Andre Mijatović as his assistant coach. Mijatović played for the Berlin club for two years and served as captain of the promotion-winning team in 2011. Leitl and Hertha’s sporting director, Andreas "Zecke" Neuendorf, are acquainted from their playing days at Ingolstadt. Leitl had already been considered for the head coach position at Hertha during the summer.
Hertha’s Instability:
Hertha has been mired in a state of instability both on and off the pitch. In addition to enduring a poor start to the second leg of the season, the club has faced financial difficulties and governance issues. The appointment of Leitl, a highly regarded coach with experience in the Bundesliga 2, is seen as a crucial step towards rebuilding the team’s stability and achieving their promotion aspirations.
Conclusion:
Hertha BSC is poised to announce Stefan Leitl as their new head coach, with only a few minor details remaining to be settled. Leitl is expected to bring a wealth of experience and tactical prowess to the team, along with a potential co-coach in the form of former Hertha player Andre Mijatović. The appointment of Leitl marks a significant step in Hertha’s efforts to regain stability and pursue their promotion goals.
