Matthias Kreutzer: We need to be more dangerous going forward and more stable at the back

After Frank Kramer’s dismissal, Matthias Kreutzer has taken on the role of head coach on an interim basis. “I completely understand my role to stand in here,” said the 39-year-old, who is taking charge of the club for the second time. Kreutzer stepped up last season to lead the team in a second-division 3-0 away win against Ingolstadt when Mike Büskens tested positive for Covid-19. “Of course there’s an element of tension,” said Kreutzer ahead of the game. “But I’m also convinced we can turn the tide. That’s what we all want to do.”

Kreutzer said he’s already been thinking a lot about the upcoming game, including the formation that he’ll send the team out in. “I have an idea in mind that I think can compliment us well,” said the interim coach, not giving too much away.

In Timothée Kolodziejczak, Kreutzer has another option at centre back. The defender, who was a free agent and had been training with the club, signed a contract with the Royal Blues on Friday (21/10). “He’s an option for the game,” said Kreutzer. “Kolo has been training with us for two weeks and has been playing consistently over the past two years, so he has a decent level of match fitness.”

The arrival of the 31-year-old comes as the club react to the current options in defence. Centre backs Marcin Kaminski, Sepp van den Berg, Ibrahima Cissé and Leo Greiml are all unavailable through injury, alongside forward Rodrigo Zalazar. “It’s not ideal, but complaining doesn’t help anything,” said Kreutzer. “We have a good and large squad where everyone is needed,” said the 39-year-old, adding that it’s important that they “work well as a team”.

Kreutzer said that Hertha have a well organised team that is efficient on the counter attack, adding that Schalke don’t want to let the capital club play to their strengths on Sunday. At the same time, the interim coach wants his own time to bring more balance to their game. “We’re conceding too many goals and not creating enough chances,” said Kreutzer, who said that it’s important that the players take on responsibility. “We need to be more dangerous going forward and more stable at the back.”