VUnsurprisingly, Hertha BSC parted ways with sports director Fredi Bobic on Saturday evening just a few hours after losing the derby against Union Berlin (0:2). Once again there is staff chaos. According to media reports, the successor should already be settled. Who should take over is not the only question at the crisis club from the capital.
Who will be Bobic’s successor?
Was the split really that surprising? According to media reports, a successor has already been chosen. According to the “Bild” newspaper and TV station Sport1, it should be a club legend. Name: Andreas Neuendorf. Nickname: Tick. The 47-year-old played for Hertha for a long time and was also a co-coach before the then head coach Pal Dardai was fired in November 2021. From Bobic, by the way.
Neuendorf should therefore take on sporting responsibility together with the former head of the Hertha Academy, Benjamin Weber (42). It is clear that Hertha is currently subject to strict financial constraints. To what extent you still have to pay Bobic should be one of the questions at the press conference this Sunday. In any case, time is of the essence: the transfer window closes on Tuesday. The Berliner’s squad planner is Dirk Dufner, who has gained experience as a sports director at Hannover 96.
How was Bobic’s tenure at Hertha?
The 51-year-old came to Hertha for the 2021/22 season with high expectations as the successor to long-time manager Michael Preetz. Bobic reorganized the club and brought in a lot of new staff, including from his previous club Eintracht Frankfurt. The former national soccer player did not find an easy situation. Most of the millions Lars Windhorst had invested in the club had already been used up. In terms of sport, Hertha was almost permanently in the relegation battle under Bobic. Sandro Schwarz is the fourth Hertha coach in Bobic’s short tenure. After three defeats at the Bundesliga restart and slipping down to 17th place, he had to go.
What are the reasons for the separation?
Hertha did not provide any information on this in its brief press release. “The Executive Committee of Hertha BSC, together with the Supervisory Board of Hertha BSC e. V. decided unanimously to release its Managing Director Sport, Fredi Bobic, from his duties with immediate effect. In a press conference this Sunday at 1 p.m., Hertha wants to comment. The club also did not say who was taking part for the Berliners. However, it is likely that President Kay Bernstein will speak. The sporting development under Bobic must be regarded as disappointing. Although the 51-year-old generated a large transfer surplus due to financial needs, he missed out on too many of his new signings.
What are the consequences for coach Sandro Schwarz?
Bobic had given the coach a job guarantee on Saturday. Shortly afterwards he was gone himself. However, black is valued both personally and professionally. “It’s no secret that he’s a great fit for us. He’s just as lacking in points as we are,” said midfielder Marco Richter. “Hopefully, the common path will continue.”
What are the consequences for the intended deal with 777 Partners?
The American company wants to take over the Hertha shares from the previous financier Lars Windhorst and could also put fresh money into the club again. However, the negotiations are not yet complete, at least this is not public knowledge. “Nearly graduating, I don’t think so,” said Bobic during the week. But the talks are a long way off.
