Hertha Berlin is gearing up for a crucial game against Freiburg on Saturday, and the team is working hard to overcome their greatest weakness. The Berliners have been struggling with their record after dead balls this season, and it has cost them 16 points in the Bundesliga. Only Bochum has a worse record, having conceded 17 goals after dead balls.
In addition to struggling defensively, Hertha has also had poor performances in attacking set pieces. The team attempted 106 corner kicks this season but failed to score, making them the only Bundesliga team to do so.
To address these weaknesses, Hertha is working on its set-piece strategy during the international break. Captain Marvin Plattenhardt and winter signing Tolga Cigerci are focusing on improving set-piece delivery, while defenders Marc Kempf and Agustin Rogel and strikers Florian Niederlechner and Wilfried Kanga are working on their aerial abilities.
Last season, standards played a key role in Hertha’s successful relegation battle under head coach Felix Magath and assistant Mark Fotheringham. A corner kick and a free kick by Plattenhardt secured Hertha’s survival in the relegation second leg at HSV.
As the Berliners fight to stay up once again, they know that better standards could make all the difference.
