Pál Dárdai has taken to the media for the first time after being named as Hertha Berlin’s interim coach until the end of the season, Sport Bild reports.
It’s the third time that the 47-year-old has held the role at Hertha. The Hungarian has helped the team stay in the Bundesliga beforehand but understands that the circumstances this time are much more difficult.
“It is my responsibility to keep this team in the league. We have already proven twice that this can work. But this time hard work is not enough, we need a bit of luck. We have everything under control. But the team is an uncertain bunch at the moment. That is why everyone needs strength and positive energy,” Dárdai told the press on Monday.
Hertha Berlin are bottom of the Bundesliga and four points from safety with six games remaining. Their final fixtures include key matches against VfL Bochum, VfB Stuttgart, and the likes of Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg.
Dárdai also wants to identify and see leaders from his squad. The new head coach stated: “I want to hear everyone’s honest opinion. If only Prince Boateng is the leader in this team, we can pack up and leave. Then it won’t work.”
He continued: “The others have to bring out their leadership qualities. It’s not a gift, you have to push it. I have to have one-on-one talks for that.”
Dárdai is familiar with many of the Hertha players as the majority were there when he last took charge in 2021. This was one of the key reasons why sporting director Benjamin Weber chose to bring back Dárdai. Hertha begin their survival push this Saturday when they host Werder Bremen.
GGFN | Jamie Allen
