Hertha BSC launches Mini‑PSG‑Effect and leads after six wins
In the Olympiastadion the howling of the Berliners echoes, as Hertha BSC solidifies the league lead of the 2. Bundesliga after six wins. The club, which before the season was considered a big unknown, now shows a touch of PSG‑flair and proves that football means more than just money.
Financial distress forces sales
After the 2023 relegation, Hertha BSC had to reduce its high wage bills and sold several top‑stars. Fabian Reese moved to VfL Wolfsburg, goalkeeper Tjark Ernst to Feyenoord Rotterdam, and Michael Cuisance to RC Lens, which together brought in €16.5 million in transfer fees. Additionally, Kennet Eichhorn was sold to Bayer Leverkusen and attacking player Marten Winkler to RSC Anderlecht, bringing the summer income to almost €30 million.
Through the sales Hertha saved not only transfer fees but also the high salaries of players such as Michal Karbownik, who moved freely to Basaksehir, and Diego Demme, who ended his career. Only two weeks before the start of the season the club stood without any new signing – a rare situation for one of the 36 German first‑ and second‑division clubs.
\"We must believe that the strategy works. This club deserves that we do it seriously and solidly,\" emphasized Managing Director Dr. Peter Görlich, calling for patience from the fans.
Hertha's new playing style delights
Coach Stefan Leitl explained that the team has now implemented a new, bolder style of play. \"We play intensely, and we also present ourselves well football‑wise. We are bold, we are dominant,\" he said. The concept relies on high‑intensity, man‑to‑man pressing, aggressive pressing and direct attacks after winning the ball.
Center‑back Niklas Kolbe confirmed that the tactic suits him: \"The style of play fits me very well because I rely a lot on speed.\" In the defensive centre he forms, together with home‑grown Linus Gechter, a top‑class duo that makes optimal use of the new system.
Successful start to the season despite skepticism
Contrary to the widespread skepticism about whether Hertha can compensate for the loss of quality, the club stands as the only second‑division team without a point loss at the top of the table. With six wins from the first six games, the Berliners have a seven‑point lead over the relegation candidate Wolfsburg and a small cushion for fourth place.
The \"Mini‑PSG‑Effect\", as the Berliners themselves call it, so far appears like a snapshot, but it shows that a financially strained club with the right playing philosophy and bold leadership can indeed reach the top.