Jürgen Röber reflects on his impactful tenure at Hertha BSC, where he transformed the team from a second division club to a Champions League contender in just three years. He shares memories of significant matches, the challenges he faced, and the development of key players like Sebastian Deisler and Pal Dardai. Despite current struggles, Röber remains hopeful for the club’s future. He also discusses his personal interests, including his passion for fitness and football.
Jürgen Röber’s Journey with Hertha BSC
When Jürgen Röber took the reins at Hertha BSC in early 1996, the club was competing in the second division. Just three years later, they reached the prestigious Champions League. Röber achieved his primary goal sooner than expected, but not without facing some challenges along the way.
rbb|24: Mr. Röber, …
Jürgen Röber: Are we discussing my time at Hertha? What more can I add? I distinctly recall telling my assistant coach, “Once we fill the stadium, we’ll know we’ve succeeded.”
In January 1996, I stepped into the role of coach for Hertha BSC, a team in the second division. During our final home match against Fortuna Köln, we had a mere 4,444 fans in attendance at the Olympic Stadium. Fast forward ten months, and we were playing against 1. FC Kaiserslautern to a sold-out crowd of 75,000.
Indeed, that match was against Otto (Rehhagel, coach of Kaiserslautern; note from the editor).
It was a thrilling showdown between the top two teams, and remarkably, both secured promotion. Just two years later, I led Hertha into the Champions League. Recently, the club honored me, marking 25 years since those days. Standing before the East Curve, I was truly moved.
I was overwhelmed with emotion. Many doubted our potential back then, thinking we’d never make it. Yet, we proved them wrong and achieved our goal.
Were you glad to relive that moment?
Absolutely. I’m quite emotional by nature. Regardless, my love for Berlin and the incredible people I encountered there runs deep.
Challenges and Triumphs in Coaching
In April 1998, I was on the brink of dismissal. The then-chairman of the supervisory board, Robert Schwan, made that quite clear during a halftime interview broadcast live on television.
That was just part of the job; I had to accept it. Robert was also an emotional figure who later apologized multiple times.
I persevered and continued to evolve the team alongside manager Dieter Hoeneß. We welcomed exceptional players like Marcelinho, Alex Alves, and Dariusz Wosz to the squad. However, I have always said that the greatest talent I worked with was Sebastian Deisler.
He possessed incredible speed, leaping ability, and striking technique with his right foot — truly remarkable. He was the best footballer I ever coached, but unfortunately, he struggled to handle pressure, which was a real shame.
You also introduced Pal Dardai in 1997, who remains with the club today. Did you foresee such a long tenure for him, eventually leading to a coaching role?
You can never predict how things will unfold. However, he consistently displayed hard work and a strong attitude, which are essential for growth. My goal was always to develop my players. For instance, Michael Preetz missed an easy goal early on, which is amusing now, but it’s true.
Even during your playing days, you were known for your diligent work ethic, especially in training.
I often wondered why golfers or tennis players practice the same skills repeatedly while footballers don’t. I focused on technical training, both as a player and a coach, constantly refining the basics. I sometimes sent players to practice heading drills and thought, “Oh no, what’s happening?” They were leaping high, but the ball was long gone. Eventually, they found their timing, and Michael Preetz, who initially struggled, went on to become the Bundesliga’s top scorer and a national player. He is a prime example of success through perseverance.
You placed significant emphasis on fitness as well.
My players often disliked me for that. Whenever I announced, “Today we’re heading to the woods,” they would roll their eyes.
You are known to enjoy running privately to relieve stress, sometimes even at night. What are your favorite running spots in Berlin?
I rarely ran through the city, preferring the woods and the Tiergarten. However, running there at night is not advisable.
You laugh.
I might be a bit eccentric, but nighttime runs through the Tiergarten would be pushing it!
Currently, Hertha finds itself back in the second division, reminiscent of when you first joined. At least the stadium often sees full crowds now, and the club appears united. Do you believe in the much-discussed Berlin approach to returning to the Bundesliga?
I certainly hope so. However, numerous factors play a role, including financial resources and a bit of luck. All I can do is keep my fingers crossed; it would be fantastic for the capital.
During your tenure at Hertha, you were once voted the most attractive football coach in the Bundesliga. It’s said that taxi drivers frequently mistook you for an actor due to your distinctive features. You jokingly remarked that you would have liked to say, “I’m on a break from filming.” How do you spend your time these days?
I still engage in sports almost daily, primarily because I enjoy eating. I’m also an avid football fan, watching anything that comes my way. It would be unacceptable not to keep up with the sport.
Thank you for this insightful conversation.
This interview was conducted by Ilja Behnisch.
Broadcast: rbb24, 26.12.2024, 10 PM