Dardai off to enjoy simple pleasures after “120th farewell”

In an interview with German public broadcaster ARD, departing Hertha BSC trainer Pal Dardai noted that his latest departure from the club’s bench wouldn’t deter him from his usual routine.

Hertha BSC have still not officially confirmed Pal Dardai’s third release from the trainer bank, but virtually all German footballing media sources report in unison that Dardai will not be working the bench for Charlottenburg’s “alte Dame” next season. Dardai himself confirmed his own departure in a pre-match interview ahead of yesterday’s home fixture against 1. FC Kaiserslautern. While the 48-year-old claimed to have some emotion about the club’s decision in the interview, he had evidently already moved past it when speaking to German broadcaster ARD after the full-time whistle. 

“This is completely normal,” Dardai said, “I’m always in place here for about a year. Then the team, management, fans and Pal always decide. In the end, there’s always a result – this time the result that Pal won’t continue. This is all communicated and is not a problem at all. I am and will remain a Herthaner.”

“There’s zero emotion,” Dardai continued, “No anger or happiness. I’ve been here for 30 years. This is my 120th farewell. Now I’m going home. I’ve got my family there, I’ve got my dog there. Then I’ll have a beer, then some wine, then a cigar. Then I’ll carry on tomorrow.”