The pros from Hertha BSC cycled to the Alois Latini Stadium in Zell am See for their regeneration session. The idyll of the Austrian mountains did not allow any conclusions about trouble with the Berlin second division soccer team. Under the command of the relaxed-looking trainer Pal Dardai, the session was routinely unwound for a good hour on Monday, followed by a free afternoon in the training camp. The renewed rumbling behind the scenes could not be felt. Hertha had previously communicated the departure of goalkeeper Marius Gersbeck in a three-sentence Whatsapp message. “Sporting management and management will now evaluate the situation internally, taking into account the ongoing investigations,” said the Berliners on Monday. Hertha said there would be no further statements on the “facts”.
Gersbeck himself or his management have so far not commented on the events that led to the departure, even when asked. The “Bild” newspaper initially reported on the departure of the 28-year-old from the team hotel in Zell am See. The Salzburg state police reported on Sunday a violent altercation in Zell am See in the early hours of the morning. A 28-year-old is said to have inflicted injuries on a 22-year-old who had to be treated in hospital. The 28-year-old was then questioned by the police. Hertha had previously confirmed police investigations into an unnamed player.
Born in Berlin, Gersbeck was brought back to his youth club by Karlsruher SC for €300,000 this summer. Because of his close contacts in the fan scene, he is considered a possible identification figure for the so-called Hertha way, with which the Bundesliga relegated wants to get out of the sporting and economic crisis. In friendlies, Gersbeck had recently been partial captain. He is considered a potential number one for the upcoming season in the 2nd division. In the training camp he had to pause due to a finger injury.
The Berliners, who were burdened with multiple problems, had not expected difficulties in the goalkeeper position. Six goalkeepers were ready at the start of training. Returnees Gersbeck and Tjark Ernst were recently given the best chances for the regular place. Oliver Christensen, the number one from the previous season, and above all Alexander Schwolow, who has returned from a loan at Schalke 04, should be handed over in the best possible way in order to achieve the necessary transfer income. Robert Kwasigroch and Tim Goller are considered candidates for the U23s in the Regionalliga Nordost. It was unclear what effects Gersbeck’s departure from Austria would have on the goalkeeping hierarchy. As reported by “Kicker”, Gersbeck was not the only Hertha professional to leave Zell am See on Sunday: offensive man Myziane Maolida left for contract talks. He is therefore facing a loan transfer to the Turkish club Ankaragücü.
