Schwarz speaks on fixing squad's ultra-thin central defense: "It's not about bringing in just anyone."
Following a wave of departures and the reality of the club's injury issues, Hertha BSC trainer Sandro Schwarz admitted that the club remained very much in the market for a new central defender.
If anything, Berlin's Charlottenburger club has deliberately thinned out its central defensive ranks this summer. Jordan Toranarigha was shipped out in July. Just in the past few days, Hertha BSC have parted company with both former captain Dedryck Boyata and (admittedly, long ostracized) option Omar Alderete.
In light of recent occurrences, this strategy could easily come back to haunt the club. Hertha trainer Sandro Schwarz confirmed on Monday that Filip Uremovic (suspended for the coming weekend encounter anyway) and Marc-Oliver Kempf had to break off training. Though Schwarz expressed the hope that Kempf could still be ready for the coming fixture against Dortmund, he also acknowledged that squad options were running thin at the back.
Marton Dardai remains available and is, in point of fact, the only natural option Schwarz still has available in central defense. Eighteen-year-old Linus Gechter has struggled to regain fitness after dealing with multiple infections over the past few months. Speaking to reporters late Monday, Schwarz addressed the possibility of acquiring a new central defender before the transfer market closes.
"We have four central defenders," Schwarz said Monday , "Of course we are thinking about this position. But it's not about bringing in just anyone, but something that is presentable and feasible for us. That's how we approach it."
The rumor mills remain quiet when it comes to any new player Fredi Bobic and the administrative team might consider procuring. Former Hertha academy man and Berlin native John Anthony Brooks - available on a free after Wolfsburg declined to extend his contract last season - might prove a fitting addition if Hertha are unable to swing a deal before the window slams shut in six days' time.