The lockdown enforced by Germany as a containment strategy against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic has massively imparted on the fortunes of Berlin-based football clubs, Hertha Berlin and Union Berlin.
The unusual 60-day break in the history of German football appears to be very favorable for Hertha Berlin. But with Union Berlin, the turn of events has not been too good.
ABC News reports that Hertha Berlin FC took advantage of the break, recruiting a highly-experienced Bundesliga coach who has an enviable match record having three wins and one draw.
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On the other hand, Union Berlin has been beaten blue and black in all six matches played so far.
Union Berlin’s porous line of defence has let in 11 goals in four games since the restart of season, and the newly-promoted club is experiencing a super pressure from teams below it in the league table in their quest for survival.
Fox News reports that On Sunday, after the 4-1 defeat by Borussia Mönchengladbach FC, Swedish striker Sebastian Andersson said it was not the most exciting part of the football season.
Also, Union Berlin’s coach, Urs Fischer noted it was tough winning a match with just 25 minutes after the break period.
Union Berlin occupied 11th position on the league table prior to the lockdown, but it is now 14th, four points higher than Fortuna Düsseldorf, which is in the relegation playoff spot with five games left.
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Union Berlin’s captain, Christopher Trimmel, said his team knew they would have to win as many matches as home to avoid relegation to the lower division.
Home advantage for Union Berlin has been poor without club supporters at any match venues since the league restarted on May 16.
Hertha Berlin is doing pretty fine playing and winning in empty match venues.
54-year old Bruno Labbadia was contracted as the clubs fourth manager of the season to manage Hertha Berlin with a mandate to restoring stability following a string of poor performances caused by managerial changes after investor, Lars Windhorst took over and the ensuing disagreement leading to Jürgen Klinsmann’s unfortunate departure.
Hertha Berlin who was 13th when Labbadia was contracted, is now 9th with strong ambitions of playing in Europe.
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Since the league resumed, Hertha Berlin has won 10 points from a possible 12.
The veteran tactician who has managed Stuttgart and Hamburger SV is coaching his 8th Bundesliga team. He is credited with helping Wolfsburg qualify for the Europa League and he says he is improving all the time.
On Saturday, Hertha Berlin embarks on a trip for an away match with high-flying Borussia Dortmund. Other subsequent matches Hertha Berlin would be playing this season will be against Eintracht Frankfurt, Freiburg, Bayer Leverkusen and Mönchengladbach.
Labbadia noted a careful observation of Hertha Berlin’s outstanding matches gives an insight into how crucial the 10 points the team has secured are.
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Also, for the remaining part of the season, Union Berlin seems would have it a bit easier, but they must play tough oppositions such as Paderborn and Düsseldorf in the relegation play off.
On Sunday, Fischer’s side would come up against Schalke 04 in Köpenick. Schalke 04 seems to have lost all its firepower which made her the toast of many fans some seasons ago. The visitors have not secured any win in 11 matches this season.
