Sebastian Grønning explains how Hertha have turned things around in Berlin

After several turbulent years, Hertha finally appear to be moving in the right direction. Following relegation from the Bundesliga in 2023 and successive campaigns in which promotion proved elusive, the capital club have made an excellent start to the new 2. Bundesliga season.

Hertha sit top of the table after 11 matches, having won 10 of their opening 11 fixtures, and the feeling around the Olympiastadion is increasingly one of optimism.

Speaking in a DFL interview, Grønning admitted that such a flying start was not necessarily expected following a summer of significant squad changes. However, the early performances quickly gave the players belief that something special was developing.

“From the friendly matches and then from the first two competitive games of the season, we got the feeling that, hey, we really have something here that we can build on,” Grønning explained.

“That confidence boost from game to game and from win to win has naturally given us that boost and that confidence in believing that we’re doing something right here.”

For the striker, one of the biggest differences compared to previous campaigns has been the clarity within the squad, with every player understanding their individual responsibilities.

“I would say our philosophy is quite clear for every player in the team. We know what role each one of us has, what we have to bring and what we have to do,” he continued.

“When we put all these roles together, I think we have a very good harmony and very good chemistry in the team.”

Grønning also highlighted Hertha’s physical intensity, believing their ability to maintain an attacking approach even when protecting leads has helped distinguish them from their promotion rivals.

Leitl’s influence becoming increasingly clear

A significant part of Hertha’s transformation has been the influence of head coach Stefan Leitl, who has now had the opportunity to shape the squad more closely around his footballing philosophy.

Grønning was particularly complimentary of the 49-year-old, praising his tactical understanding, communication and ability to recognise the strengths of his players.

“He’s really good at recognising what kinds of players he has and to build the team around these players. Then he’s a very clear communicator,” the striker said.

After arriving in Berlin towards the end of the 2024/25 season and having overseen several key departures amid financial uncertainty, Leitl has now used this summer to put his stamp on the squad. Grønning believes the current group is much more representative of the coach’s ideas following significant recruitment activity.

“I think this year he had a bigger impact in terms of recruiting players, in terms of the style and to fit these together. So I think it’s fair to say that this is more his team.”

The Danish forward also made it clear that he has personally embraced Leitl’s approach, suggesting the coach has earned the trust of the dressing room.

“I’m really buying into how we want to do things this year. And I’m really buying into his ideas. I want to play for him really very much.”

Hertha fans still carrying the scars of previous seasons

Despite the remarkable start, Grønning recognises that the relationship between Hertha and their supporters has been shaped by several years of disappointment.

The club’s relegation in 2023 has been followed by three frustrating seasons in the 2. Bundesliga, with hopes of a return to the top flight failing to materialise each time.

Consequently, while improved performances have brought renewed excitement to the Olympiastadion, the striker believes everyone must remain patient rather than getting carried away with promotion expectations.

“I also think the fans heard it from the past and have these scars of believing in the best outcome, and Hertha can get them hurt or disappointed, you know?” he admitted.

Grønning believes the only way to change that narrative is through continued performances on the pitch.

“Both the fans and us as a team have to just stay calm and keep following this path of focusing on each game and putting that energy and effort into it.”

Nevertheless, the opportunity to be part of a Hertha side that finally secures promotion is clearly something that motivates him.

“Every player feels the same as me that it would be great if I could be a part of that team that brings Hertha back where they belong,” Grønning explained.

“They deserve to be in the Bundesliga and fans deserve to see Bundesliga football.”

However, he was quick to acknowledge that there is still a long way to go, with plenty of challenges remaining before promotion becomes a reality.

Grønning focused on continuing to improve

On a personal level, the Danish striker is also determined to keep developing his game, having established himself as a traditional centre-forward whose greatest strengths lie in his positioning, movement and finishing inside the penalty area.

“I’m a classic box striker. I need to have service in the box. I’m very strong in and around the box with my finishing, with my positioning, with my timing,” he explained.

Grønning also revealed that he regularly stays behind after training to work on his finishing, highlighting the attention to detail within Hertha’s coaching setup.

Even after finding the net, however, he insists there is no room for complacency.

“It’s not that after a goal everything is good and everything is positive. So it’s just about the process and you have to trust that,” he added.

For Hertha, that mentality perhaps reflects the wider approach currently being adopted in Berlin. There is renewed confidence, a clear identity and a squad that appears increasingly comfortable with its responsibilities.

The memories of previous disappointments have not disappeared, but with Hertha leading the 2. Bundesliga after 11 matches, the foundations for a genuine promotion challenge are beginning to look increasingly convincing.