While former Schalke player Paul Seguin will have to sit out Berlin’s away game at Schalke, former RWE star Julian Eitschberger could be in the starting line-up.

Supported by 5,300 fans, Hertha BSC will travel to FC Schalke on Friday evening (8:30 p.m.) for their second division opener. The goal is clear: Hertha wants to be promoted, and that’s how they’re putting it.

Ahead of the away game in Gelsenkirchen, coach Stefan Leitl, who has to replace eight players—Linus Gechter, Marius Gersbeck, Tim Goller, Pascal Klemens, John Brooks, Luca Schuler, Paul Seguin, and Kevin Cessa—has spoken about the first game. Julian Eitschberger, who was most recently on loan at RWE, is likely to make his starting debut for Berlin. He played on the right side in the dress rehearsal at Motherwell FC. Leitl on… the first 90 minutes: “I would like to see fireworks. You applaud fireworks, not a rainbow.

… the preparation: “We’re taking a lot of positives from the preparation, we’re starting with a highlight game. I hope we can promote the 2nd Bundesliga. The performance data from the test matches shows that we are on the right track. The willingness to support each other is very, very high. There is a lot of anticipation for the season.“

… Berlin’s transfers: ”Within the framework we were able to work in, we implemented things that were important. We had to react to departures. We should look at the signings side to see if we can still achieve something.“

… his new captain Fabian Reese, who scored eleven goals in 18 games last season: ”He should lead the team, he should go ahead. I hope he develops further with the armband.”

… on opponents Schalke: “I expect a very active opponent. We saw in the preseason games what’s required. Schalke places a lot of emphasis on intense play. It’ll be packed with emotion, we have to keep a clear head.”

… his 16-year-old top talent Kennet Eichhorn: “I have no problem bringing the boy on. We’ll see how the game goes. I’m really happy with how he’s doing, how he’s developing. He was injured for a long time in the second half of the season. He’s a great talent that we want to nurture.”