Sebastian Grønning explains how Hertha have turned things around in Berlin
A clear philosophy, stronger team chemistry and Stefan Leitl’s influence have helped Hertha BSC rise to the top of the 2. Bundesliga. Sebastian Grønning believes the foundations are there, but knows past disappointments still shape expectations in Berlin.
After several turbulent years, Hertha finally appear to be moving in the right direction. Relegated from the Bundesliga in 2023, the capital club have endured three frustrating seasons without securing a return to the top flight. Their start to the 2026/27 campaign has brought renewed optimism to the Olympiastadion.
Hertha lead the 2. Bundesliga after winning 10 of their opening 11 matches. Speaking to Bundesliga media, Grønning admitted that such a start had not necessarily been expected after a summer of significant squad changes. Belief began to grow during pre-season and the opening competitive fixtures.
“From the friendly matches and then from the first two competitive games of the season, we got the feeling that, hey, we really have something here that we can build on,” he explained.
“That confidence boost from game to game and from win to win has naturally given us that boost and that confidence in believing that we’re doing something right here.”
1st
League position
10
Wins
11
Matches played
For Grønning, a major difference is how clearly each player understands his responsibilities. Individual roles now fit into a collective approach that the striker believes has improved both harmony and chemistry.
“I would say our philosophy is quite clear for every player in the team. We know what role each one of us has, what we have to bring and what we have to do,” he said.
“When we put all these roles together, I think we have a very good harmony and very good chemistry in the team.”
He also highlighted Hertha’s physical intensity and willingness to keep attacking when protecting a lead, qualities he believes have helped distinguish them from their promotion rivals.
A team taking Leitl’s shape
Stefan Leitl’s influence has become increasingly visible. Having arrived towards the end of the 2024/25 season and overseen key departures amid financial uncertainty, the 49-year-old has now had a summer to shape the squad more closely around his ideas.
Grønning praised the head coach’s tactical understanding, communication and ability to recognise his players’ strengths.
“He’s really good at recognising what kinds of players he has and to build the team around these players. Then he’s a very clear communicator,” the striker said.
Recruitment has been an important part of that process. For Grønning, the current group better reflects the football Leitl wants to play.
“I think this year he had a bigger impact in terms of recruiting players, in terms of the style and to fit these together. So I think it’s fair to say that this is more his team.”
The Danish forward’s own commitment to that approach is clear: “I’m really buying into how we want to do things this year. And I’m really buying into his ideas. I want to play for him really very much.”
Belief, with the scars still there
The strong start has not erased the disappointment of previous seasons. Grønning recognises that supporters have repeatedly hoped for promotion only to see it slip away, leaving understandable caution alongside the renewed excitement.
“I also think the fans heard it from the past and have these scars of believing in the best outcome, and Hertha can get them hurt or disappointed, you know?” he admitted.
His answer is patience, backed by continued performances on the pitch.
“Both the fans and us as a team have to just stay calm and keep following this path of focusing on each game and putting that energy and effort into it.”
That does not diminish the motivation to be part of the side that finally takes Hertha back up.
“Every player feels the same as me that it would be great if I could be a part of that team that brings Hertha back where they belong,” Grønning explained.
“They deserve to be in the Bundesliga and fans deserve to see Bundesliga football.”
Sebastian Grønning
Grønning was equally quick to acknowledge that there is still a long way to go. Promotion remains an ambition, with plenty of challenges to overcome before it becomes a reality.
The work continues inside the box
On a personal level, Grønning remains focused on improving the qualities that define his game: movement, positioning and finishing in the penalty area.
“I’m a classic box striker. I need to have service in the box. I’m very strong in and around the box with my finishing, with my positioning, with my timing,” he explained.
He regularly stays behind after training to work on his finishing, reflecting the attention to detail within Hertha’s coaching setup. Scoring does not mean that work is complete.
“It’s not that after a goal everything is good and everything is positive. So it’s just about the process and you have to trust that,” he added.
That focus on steady improvement runs through his assessment of Hertha’s revival: confidence has grown, roles are clearer and the squad has bought into Leitl’s ideas. With the team leading after 11 matches, Grønning’s emphasis remains on sustaining those standards, one game at a time.
