Schalke 04 welcomes Hertha BSC on Friday evening for the start of the season. Here’s what Berlin defender Toni Leistner has to say about the Royal Blues and his own goals.

Defender Toni Leistner of second division soccer club Hertha BSC sees Berlin as the top contender for promotion to the Bundesliga in the coming season. “We are going into the season as favorites for promotion and want to prove it,” Leistner said in an interview with ran. He said the team is much better prepared this year and, unlike in previous years, is starting with a solid foundation.

Coach Stefan Leitl has played a decisive role in this. “Stefan knows what matters in this league,” Leistner said of the coach, who wants to get Hertha off to a successful start to the new season at Schalke 04 on Friday (8:30 p.m./Sat.1 and Sky).

“If we want to live up to our role as favorites, we have to go there to win. We’re not going to Schalke to just take a point or even start with a defeat,” said Leistner.

Hertha and Schalke were relegated together in 2023. Since then, they have experienced tough times in the 2nd Bundesliga. The Royal Blues even finished both seasons behind the equally disappointing Berliners.

That is set to change on Friday, with coach Miron Muslic, who was signed in the summer, tasked with breathing new life into S04. “They have a new coach and have restructured the team. I thought they looked very good defensively in pre-season,” said Leistner. “It will be an extremely difficult game. But I believe we are well prepared. In the end, quality will prevail.“

Full of anticipation, the veteran added: ”It’s just awesome that it’s a Friday night game. A sold-out stadium – yes, it’s the second division. But it feels like a Bundesliga game in the stadium and in front of the TV.”

The 34-year-old is one of the pillars of the squad. However, Leistner has handed over the captain’s armband to attacking player Fabian Reese. “Not much will change for me. I’ll still be shouting on the pitch and saying what I think,” said Leistner. (with sid)