Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Klinsmann blasts Hertha in shock leaked diary

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Wednesday, 26 February 2020 03:47

Former USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann has launched a scathing attack on Hertha Berlin's leadership in a revealing leaked diary of his ill-fated 76-day tenure at the Bundesliga club.

Published by German outlet Sport Bild on Wednesday, Klinsmann accused the club of a "culture of lying" and said its leadership were incompetent.

- ESPN+ gets Bundesliga rights starting in 2020

Klinsmann's management has confirmed the authenticity of the document to German news agencies DPA and SID. They added they do not know who leaked the diary.

Earlier this month, Klinsmann resigned from his role, leaving Hertha shocked by his decision.

In the leaked 22-page diary, written during his time in Berlin, Klinsmann said: "The leadership must immediately be sacked. Should this not happen, all the good signings will turn into average players because there is one basic rule in football: You are only as good as the environment you play in."

The document alleges that issues at the club began once Klinsmann was appointed to the supervisory board and before being named interim coach.

On Nov. 25 the document said: "Klinsmann calls Ralf Rangnick, who has twice shown at Hoffenheim and Leipzig that he can do such jobs successfully. Rangnick makes it clear that he believes the project in Berlin is exciting but he would never join with [sporting executive] Michael Preetz."

On Nov. 29, just days after his appointment as head coach, Klinsmann wrote: "The planning for the winter preparation for the second half of the season for which Michael Preetz is responsible is a catastrophe.

"The club is in a relegation battle but they are planning like they are an international top club with numerous top players."

In response to the claims, Hertha released a statement to members, claiming the ex-Bayern Munich boss "deceived" the club. They allege he is attempting to "justify his resignation with absurd allegations."

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Preetz said: "We took note of our former coach's allegations with deep concern.

"The club takes damage through things like that. We reserve the right to take legal action."

Klinsmann depicts president Werner Gegenbauer as an "ill-tempered" person who does not stick to his word and claimed director Preetz's relationship with the team was shaped by a "culture of lying which destroyed the mutual trust with the players."

He added that Preetz's reign, which started in 2009 has led to "catastrophic failings in the sporting department."

"The club would have been directly relegated to the second tier without the change in the dugout in November," the diary concludes following Klinsmann's resignation.

"They were just not prepared for this situation. Years and years of catastrophic failings from Michael Preetz in all things related to the sporting sector. Catastrophic squad planning by Michael Preetz.

"There is a culture of lying which destroyed the mutual trust between Michael Preetz and the players."

In further jibes at the club's media department and medical staff, Klinsmann said that sponsorship deals with Amazon and TESLA were tied to his name as well as a further €150 million cash injection by investor Lars Windhorst.

Hertha spent around €80m on new players in the January transfer window -- more than any other club in Europe -- but with 11 matches left to be played in the 2019-20 season, they remain in a battle against relegation.

Interim coach Alexander Nouri remains in charge ahead of Friday's trip to Dusseldorf, who are six points behind Hertha in the relegation playoff place.

Klinsmann, 55, was appointed by Hertha on Nov. 26, 2019, and won just three of his 10 matches in charge, losing four and drawing three.

Read 332 times

Soccer

Southampton vs Liverpool: Slot hails resilient win

Southampton vs Liverpool: Slot hails resilient win

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLiverpool boss Arne Slot praised his team for mounting a second-hal...

Vini, Mbappé connect as Madrid ease past Leganés

Vini, Mbappé connect as Madrid ease past Leganés

Kylian Mbappé ended his goal drought with a thunderous strike and midfielder Jude Bellingham scored...

Marta, Orlando Pride win 1st NWSL Championship

Marta, Orlando Pride win 1st NWSL Championship

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Barbra Banda's goal stood up as the winner to l...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Sources: Hornets' Williams out for rest of season

Sources: Hornets' Williams out for rest of season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCharlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams sustained season-ending te...

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsScotty Pippen Jr. already had plenty of fond memories of watching h...

Baseball

Carty, 1970 NL batting champ with Braves, dies

Carty, 1970 NL batting champ with Braves, dies

EmailPrintRico Carty, who won the 1970 National League batting title when he hit a major-league-best...

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Outfielder Austin Hays and right-hander Kyle Finnegan -...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated