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Hertha coach Pál Dárdai
Photo: Engler / Nordphoto / IMAGO
Pál Dárdai, coach of second division football team Hertha BSC, left the press conference early before the Friday evening game at SC Paderborn. The 48-year-old coach did not agree with a journalist's reporting and then refused to answer his questions.
First, a reporter from the football magazine “Kicker” asked a question about the upcoming game in Paderborn. Dárdai didn't give an answer and instead said: "You wrote that Hertha BSC has no concept. And as long as you see it that way, we won't talk. Next question please. Thank you very much."
A few minutes later the journalist started to ask another question, but Dárdai got up and left. After about five minutes, the press conference ended for him. He left Hertha's press spokeswoman Vera Krings and professional Fabian Reese on the podium. After moments of silence, the press conference continued for another ten minutes.
A difficult season for Hertha
In March, the “Kicker” wrote a critical article about Hertha’s development under Dárdai, who was reappointed head coach in April 2023. According to the report, those responsible in Berlin are said to have considered an early separation from Dárdai.
Hertha is currently in ninth place in the table. With seven match days to go, the gap to third-placed Düsseldorf is eight points. A direct resurgence therefore seems unlikely. Dárdai himself emphasized at the start of the season that Hertha was in a transition year, given the major personnel changes. He rejected criticism of his style as pointless. On Friday (6.30 p.m. / TV: Sky) the capital club in Paderborn opens the 28th matchday.
mlb/dpa/sid