"Forget the Champions League and concentrate on Hertha", that was the 'War Cry' of trainer Thomas Schaaf before Saturday, 01.10.2005 tie at the Olympia Stadium in Berlin. After the disappointment of defeat in Athens it's time to shake off the off that issue and get on with day-to-day life in the Bundesliga.
"Aside from the second half in Mönchengladbach we've performed impressively away from home this season", remarked general manager Klaus Allofs, "We intend to continue that in Berlin." The 48 year old was clear: "We are not at the crest of a mini-crisis, on Saturday we have the chance to build upon our current position." Who will be available for selection remains unclear. Patrick Owomoyela (knee), Leon Andreasen (thigh) and Aaron Hunt (ankle) all returned from Athens carrying knocks. Ümit Davala's participation is in doubt due to flu symptoms from earlier in the week. Petri Pasanen (muscle sinew tear) and Tim Wiese (rehab after cruciate operation) are definately out off the running.
Hertha: Just 45 hours between Nikosia and Werder
Hertha BSC Berlin, who with 14 points in fourth place have started equally as well as Werder, still have the match against Werder firmly at the back of their minds. 45 hours before, trainer Falko Götz side had another obstacle to overcome. Berlin have the UEFA cup away leg of their tie against Cypriot participants APOEL Nikosia to concentrate on in the hope of qualifying for the next group stages of the tournament.
After a 1:0 win in the first round, Falko Götz side are in a strong position to progress but have no intention of taking the Cypriot league leaders too lightly: "Our concentration is 100% on the Nikosia game, reaching the group phases of the tournament is enormously important for the club", explained Götz. The coach was not willing to entertain thoughts of resting big name players for the game. Centre half Dick van Burik and new signing Marko Pantelic, who awaits a green light from UEFA will not be available to Hertha.
Thomas Schaaf was uninterested in comments that Werder carry the advantage of a two day longer break prior to the tie: "I believe that Hertha can safely lead the match against Nikosia and will demand a lot from us on Saturday." Werder will have the support of over 2,000 fans in Berlin on Saturday, the highest number for many years.
Johnnie Muldoon