Kalou hails Hertha's home form

Hertha Berlin forward Salomon Kalou feels that his side's improved home form has been key to their strong start to the 2015/16 Bundesliga campaign.

The Blue-Whites are flying high in third place at the halfway stage of the season, having collected 32 points from 17 fixtures.

Speaking the official Bundesliga website, Kalou was asked for his views on a range of subjects, including Hertha's impressive form.

"Primarily, we've become a real force on home turf again, as we recently showed against Mainz," Kalou said.

"Every game we win at the Olympiastadion brings more confidence and so then we begin to play better away from home because we approach matches relaxed, but full of confidence."

Kalou also spoke about his side's pre-season preprations and the factors that could have come into play in their impressive start.

"I actually think our preparation in the summer was important in that sense," he added. "Even back then I had the feeling that we were getting better and better and that we would have a good season.

"Last season, for example, we often didn't have enough quality to create really good chances.

"This season, though, we've done that much better and have been dangerous in front of the opposition goal.

"For the strikers, whether it's me or Vedad Ibisevic, it's a lot easier to make the most of our potential."