Jürgen Klinsmann: "Berlin deserves a superclub"
Former Germany, Bayern Munich and USA coach Jürgen Klinsmann has big ambitions with Hertha Berlin, saying that the German capital deserves a "superclub".
Klinsmann took up a position on the Old Lady's board before succeeding Ante Covic as coach, on an interim basis, in November. Hertha have picked up eight of a possible 15 points since, opening up a five-point gap on the automatic relegation places, and the former Germany striker thinks the best is still to come.
"I've always said that Berlin deserves a superclub," he told the assorted press ahead of the club's winter training camp in Florida, during which time they will play a friendly against Bundesliga rivals Eintracht Frankfurt. "This is our capital. Berlin and Germany deserve it.
Watch: Klinsmann loving life at Hertha
"It won't happen overnight, but I think that if it's carefully planned and implemented with great determination, it'll certainly be possible to have a European presence within three years."
German businessman Lars Windhorst increased his stake in the club last summer, but this is the first transfer window in which Hertha have had time to flex their financial muscle. Argentina midfielder Santiago Ascacibar has been signed from VfB Stuttgart, and Klinsmann suggested there are more to follow.
"There will be some movement in January," said the 55-year-old, who also oversaw Eduard Löwen's departure to Augsburg in recent days. "We're talking about every area [of the field] and are open to everything.
Want more Bundesliga Action?
"The key is to build consistency. You can have a great year and make it into the Champions League, but to stay in the top four the following season, to play all competitions at the same level, that's an art."
German champions in 1930 and '31, and Bundesliga runners up in 1975, Hertha have been relegated twice in the last 10 years. Klinsmann, Ascacibar et al will get the chance to prove those travails are behind them when they resume their Bundesliga campaign against champions Bayern Munich on Sunday 19 January.
Related news
How do Dortmund and Leipzig stack up?
We take a look at where the big Matchday 9 clash will be won as Dortmund look to push for the top four while Leipzig eye the Bundesliga's top spot on Saturday...
How do Boniface and Undav compare?
Ahead of Leverkusen's clash with Stuttgart on Friday, we take a look at the two star strikers' journeys in Germany.
Leverkusen and Stuttgart renew rivalry
After three fabulous tussles last season and Supercup drama in August, two of the Bundesliga's most attack-minded sides meet again on Friday.