His current term only lasts until the end of the season. Just like Felix Magath, who was also named a firefighter last spring. At that time, he had more time, eight matches, and he didn’t even have to perform such a big miracle as Dárdai now, because he wasn’t even at a disadvantage to get to the rating place. In the end, Hertha stayed in the rankings against bronze medalists Hamburg in the second division. On the other hand, Magath did not take up the job anymore.
What will happen now?
Darday was released by Bobic in 2021 after averaging 1.21 points per game during that coaching stint. Since then, all three coaches have fared worse than this: Typhoon Korkut scored 0.64 points, Magath scored 1.11, and Schwarz scored 0.76 points. No wonder Hertha has been constantly battling relegation ever since.
Darday will make his debut at home against 12th Werder Bremen on Saturday, and the victory will be crucial for Hertha, who have been winless in the last six rounds. Then, away from home against Bayern Munich, who are fighting fiercely for the league title, there aren’t many chances, and then there’s the relegation run against direct rivals VfB Stuttgart in Berlin, which should be won again. 11. Scoring Köln at home is not hopeless, and then at home against Bochum, another victory may be required. In the last round, a point away from the center team Wolfsburg can also be taken.
If we rely on this very positive series of results (three wins, two draws, one loss), it may be enough to reach the minimum rating, or even just stay in it, but this is an average of 1.83 points. Dárdai must therefore surpass his former self, he has never achieved such a high rate in any of his seasons with Hertha.
The spirit in the club can help Dárdai, Bobic’s nightmare is over. Management duties are currently carried out by Benjamin Weber and Andreas Neuendorf, closely associated with Hertha – the former as sporting director, while the latter is the link between the academy and the professional team. Previously employed by Hertha in various capacities between 2004 and 2022, Weber’s former teammate and good friend, Neuendorf, helped the team to 149 Bundesliga matches as second coach on the former coaching staff of the Hungarian club legend.
Fans trust him
Hertha’s announcement of the coach’s change was flooded with comments on the club’s official Facebook page. We highlighted the four opinions the most, each with hundreds of likes, which clearly shows that the fans have the utmost confidence in Dárdai.
“Respect for Pálk Dárdai for taking over for the third time, even though he could be relegated… It shows that there are many heretics in the public eye, but he’s the only one who cares about the club. Good luck!”
“You have to hold on. It doesn’t matter which category it is, it doesn’t matter how it turns out. The point is that he’s ready again and shows how much he loves his club. He deserves respect and loyalty.”
“Finally! Now just let them work. All respect to him for coming back to us after two rounds. A real man. I wish we were relegated he would stay in the second division because he’s the only real coach for us.”
“Dárdai fits the old Hertha, but never fits Bobic’s baggage. I have no idea where we’ll end up in the league, and I’m afraid the change has come too late, but I defend the team. Welcome home, pal!”
Cover photo: Pál Dárdai can save Hertha again (Photo: MTI/AP/Michael Sohn)
