Dardai: Whole city shares cup dream

Posted Thursday, April 21, 2016 by Foxsports.com

Hertha Berlin head coach Pal Dardai insists his side will do their utmost to reach the DFB-Pokal final at the expense of Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night.

Die Alte Dame are just one step away of a first cup-final appearance in 23 years and in their own stadium to boot, with Dortmund standing in their way of a realising a dream.

Dardai admits the whole city shares the club’s desire to contest the final at the Olympiastadion, but knows the team will have to be at their best against BVB in the semi-finals.

“You feel it all over the city, that everyone has the same dream,” he said in an interview with the DFB website.

“The tickets for the semi-final against Borussia Dortmund sold out within 10 minutes – you don’t need to say anymore. It is our dream, and it is one that we share with the whole city.

“We will give absolutely everything to ensure we can finally experience a DFB Cup final in Berlin.

“Were we to reach the final, people in Berlin and Brandenburg would be talking about it in 20 years’ time. They will remember which Hertha team it was that achieved it.

“Everyone could be proud – the entire club, the youth system, the staff, members, fans. In that sense, the DFB Cup is of huge significance to me and to the club.”

Dardai added: “It is the DFB Cup. It’s one game of football, maybe extra time, maybe even penalties. If everything falls into place – team spirit, form on the day, attitude, luck, support from the fans – then anything is possible. We need to believe in ourselves.

“Dortmund are a quick team, quicker than us. We can’t give them too much space, and need to be as effective as possible – only then do we have a chance.”