Hertha Berlin have confirmed the departure of both head coach Bruno Labbadia and managing director for sport Michael Preetz.
The pair leave the club following Hertha’s 4-1 home loss to Werder Bremen on Saturday evening.
The defeat, their fourth game in a row in all competitions without a win, leaves the capital club just two points above the relegation play-off place.
Bruno Labbadia and Michael Preetz Sacked by Hertha Berlin
ℹ️ Hertha BSC have parted ways with head coach Bruno #Labbadia and managing director for sport Michael #Preetz. pic.twitter.com/p1IxqfHUji
— Hertha Berlin (@HerthaBSC_EN) January 24, 2021
The Fallout
According to Bild, who reported the dismissals shortly after the game on Saturday, Labbadia said his goodbyes to the players on Sunday morning.
The leading candidate to replace him currently is Pal Dardai, who is the coach of the club’s U16 team.
Preetz’s departure brings to an end 11-and-a-half years in the role, during which 11 head coaches have worked for him.
In a club announcement, he said: “Those were very intense years with all the ups and downs that a football club has to offer. During this time we have taken very big steps towards becoming the club to which – and I am convinced – the future will belong. I wish all the members, fans and colleagues the very best and would also like to thank all committees for the trust they have placed in me over the past few years.”
Way off Target
European qualification had been the aim for Hertha Berlin this season. Despite big backing from investor Lars Windhorst, though, the club have failed to meet their targets this season.
They currently lie 13 points away from the last European Spot and their current total of 17 points from 18 games is their worst start for 11 years.
That season, Hertha were relegated. This move to sack both Labbadia and Preetz will be to try and avoid a repeat.
Main Photo
