Funkel surprised at size of task

Posted Monday, October 19, 2009 by PA

Hertha Berlin coach Friedhelm Funkel has realised exactly what he has let himself in for by becoming their new coach after witnessing his side's eighth consecutive league defeat yesterday.

Funkel took over from Lucien Favre only 24 hours before their defeat by Hamburg a fortnight ago, meaning Saturday's 3-0 reverse at Nurnberg was the first time he could really be held accountable for his side's performance.

"I never expected it to be so hard," he told Sky television afterwards.

"The team did not do anything that we had planned. I am immensely disappointed, but this shows that I was right with my assessment.What we need now is to work, work, work."

But despite the precariousness of the situation - Berlin have just three points after nine games - Funkel still feels he can succeed in saving them from relegation.

"I have been around long enough to know how to reach the team," he added.

"We played disappointingly and have got to improve 100%, but we certainly won't play like this again in the next few weeks."

The joy at only their second win of the season has given Nurnberg renewed optimism in their own battle against relegation.

"This gives us a lot of self-confidence for the next game in Hoffenheim," said their coach Michael Oenning.

"We can hope for a win there now."