Hertha BSC

Hertha were a mess both on and off the field after their relegation the previous season, so it wasn’t a big surprise that an immediate return to the top-flight failed to happen. After a slow start last season, The Old Lady became more consistent and eventually finished just inside the top-half. Pal Dardai did his job in stabilising the team again, but in order to take the next step, the club felt a new manager was needed. Christian Fiel is an interesting appointment after a not-so-successful season at fellow division two side Nurnberg, he did at least get his side play attacking football which will suit the players he has at his disposal here. Scoring goals was not the problem last season, but more defensively, so Fiel will have to work on that first if he is to be successful. The signing of midfield anchor Diego Demme should help after he returned to his native country from Napoli. He has a wealth of experience at the top level but has been surplus to requirements in Italy over the past few seasons. The other signings so far are more attack-minded. Cuisance can bring some flair in midfield but has still yet to unlock his potential. Sessa broke into the Heidenheim first-team last year and will only get better, unfortunately he got injured in pre-season so will miss the start of the campaign. Striker Schuler is another decent addition from Magdeburg and knows where the goal is. Key attacking players Tabakovic and Reese also remain at the club so expect Hertha to be a real threat going forward.