Hertha BSC Berlin vs Hoffenheim preview - Kalou unhappy with bench role
Posted Saturday, December 20, 2014 by PA
Salomon Kalou has caused a stir ahead of Hertha Berlin's clash with Hoffenheim on Sunday by venting his frustration at being left on the bench recently.
The Ivory Coast international was a regular in the Hertha side up until a 2-0 defeat to Hannover at the start of November.
Since then, he has made three substitute appearances while he was left on the bench for the entirety of the club's last two games against Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt, after which he criticised coach Jos Luhukay for not playing him.
A club reprimand followed that outburst, and Kalou said: "I made a mistake which came from the emotion and frustration, without considering my words.
"You say things that on any other day you don't actually think. I'm sorry and I regret it."
His chances of playing in Hertha's final game of 2014 against Hoffenheim have certainly not been helped by his outburst.
"You don't win your place on the team through words but by actions," said general manager Michael Preetz. "Nobody is happy to be on the bench and that's how things should be.
"But this is the wrong way and it is not on at all, and Salomon now also knows this.
"I'm sure Salomon will still get to prove his value and his worth to Hertha."
Opponents Hoffenheim have no similar concerns, with their coach Markus Gisdol congratulating his side on a successful first half of the season one game in advance.
"The evaluation of our first half of the season is not dependent on Sunday's game," he said.
"We've picked up more points than in the first half of the season a year ago and we've looked far more stable.
"I hope we will deliver another good game in Berlin and take something away with us."
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