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Berlin (dpa) - Don't be afraid of idiots!
Bruno Labbadia does not even allow the thought of a defeat against the chronic winless team from Schalke 04.
“I never go into a game with fear, but with optimism.
The team should do that too, ”said the coach of the Berlin Bundesliga club before the duel with the bottom of the league for their new coach Christian Gross on Saturday (6.30pm / Sky).
"We want to start the new year with a home win," said Labbadia.
After the pre-Christmas disappointments against Mainz (0-0) and Freiburg (1: 4), the 54-year-old urgently needs a positive signal to strengthen his own position again.
If the negative run of Schalke ends after 29 games without a win in the Olympic Stadium, of all places, Hertha is not only threatened with the status of a Bundesliga laughing stock.
Like manager Michael Preetz, Labbadia was finding it increasingly difficult to explain why the upswing towards Europe just might not succeed in the capital.
The cushion on the relegation ranks is already much too thin with only three points before the restart.
"We have the chance to take off in January," said Preetz.
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In preparation, the Berliners were allowed to train on the freshly laid lawn in the Olympic Stadium on New Year's Eve.
That pleased Labbadia.
On New Year's Day, the unusual preparation continued with the check-in at the team hotel.
The Hertha coach has enough problem areas in his luggage.
The loss of captain Dedryck Boyata fits the season so far.
Again, Labbadia has to reschedule personnel.
The hope of a miracle healing over Christmas was not fulfilled for the Belgian.
The 30-year-old may even be absent for weeks because of his foot stress symptoms.
The first substitute should be Niklas Stark, who will be ordered back from the sixth position.
Labbadia can then occupy midfield with Vladimir Darida or Lucas Tousart.
At the very front it has to be shown whether Jhon Cordoba is fit again after almost two months of forced break.
On the offensive, the eyes are particularly focused on Matheus Cunha.
The Brazilian recently kept Hertha busy: According to Labbadia, “underground” against Freiburg, a short trip to Switzerland and then a break in training due to ailments on Tuesday.
The top goalscorer is absolutely needed in top form.
“It's up to him.
It is important that he reflects on his strengths, »said Labbadia.
The coach receives support for the 21-year-old's education course from Manager Preetz: "It is his right that the trainer criticizes him and is part of his job."
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