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Hertha report card

Ross DunbarMay 23, 2014

It was a tail of two half-seasons for Hertha Berlin on their return to the top-flight. Overall though, there's much be to be pleased about according to DW's Ross Dunbar.

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Adrian Ramos - Hertha's top scorer
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

You could interpret Hertha Berlin's return to the Bundesliga as being a campaign of polar opposites. From the beginning of August to the winter break, Hertha were making some impressive strides in the top-flight, and were even vying for a potential place in Europe.

The side from the capital, however, had the worst record in the top-flight since the turn of the year, winning only once in 12 games. As much as the good work had evidently already been done – such a decline in results in the same season is concerning.

In the German Cup, Hertha BSC progressed to the second round – one step better than 2012's disaster – but they even made heavy weather of their first-round tie against Neumunster, winning on penalties.

Key player:

Hertha's season has been spearheaded by Colombian attacker Adrian Ramos, who scored 16 goals in 32 games. Ramos' goalscoring efforts earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund for next season, but before then, the 28-year-old will likely be his country's main centre-forward at the 2014 World Cup. When you consider Hertha netted just 40 goals this season, Ramos' influence is clear and he will be a huge loss next season.

Surprise player:

Japanese midfielder Hajime Hosogai has been one of the bright sparks in blue-and-white this season, yet, like others, his form worryingly dropped off around winter. However, a pleasant surprise for Hertha fans were the performances of American defender John Anthony Brooks. Even at 21, Brooks has already matured as a fine central-defender with the talent to match his raw physical attributes.

Hajime Hosogai in action for Hertha BSC.
Hajime Hosogai in action for Hertha BSC.Image: Bongarts/Getty Images

Coach:

Looking at the final standings, Hertha BSC would have been quite happy to finish mid-table, well above the pack troubled by relegation. Jos Luhukay's decision to drop down a division from FC Augsburg was an interesting move considering Hertha's stature, but he's done well to earn promotion and finish mid-table in his first Bundesliga season with the club.

What's next:

There will likely be more changes in the capital, even in the wake of the very exciting signing of FC Basel and Swiss international attacking-midfielder Valentin Stocker. He softens the blow of losing top scorer Adrian Ramos to Dortmund, but the need for another striker will depend on whether Pierre-Michel Lasogga, who returns from his loan spell at HSV, will stay or not.

Grade: C-

Great first half to the season that would have earned them a higher grade, but the slump from January to May was severe. Overall, it has to be regarded as being a good season.