Hertha BSC has commenced its pre-season preparations with a significantly reduced roster, starting Monday’s initial fitness tests without any new external signings.
The club is operating with ten fewer players than at the end of the previous campaign, a situation that threatens to set a new record for net squad depletion in the club’s history.
The initial phase of training focuses on medical and physical assessments, including cardiac screenings, lactate threshold tests, and core stability exercises.
While national team players are granted an extended break, the remaining squad members are already facing the reality of a leaner setup.
The lack of incoming transfers means the coaching staff must rely on the existing core to rebuild fitness and tactical cohesion.
This structural challenge follows the high-profile exit of captain Fabian Reese, who is set to join VfL Wolfsburg for a fee expected to reach into the millions of euros.