Overview
- After a 0–2 loss to Magdeburg and a 3–3 draw at Fürth, Hertha have taken one point from two games while conceding five.
- Leitl has sharpened the tone in sessions, issuing loud, direct instructions to defenders Toni Leistner, Marton Dardai and Linus Gechter to raise urgency.
- The coach says Hertha must not lose on Friday, noting a win would take the team to 30 points before the winter break.
- Squad update: Maurice Krattenmacher is ruled out with a sprained ankle, while Dawid Kownacki is cleared to play after a training collision.
- Bielefeld have not won since November 8, ending a three-match losing run with a draw last weekend as Hertha underline the 2. Bundesliga’s tight margins.