Olympia instead of DFB-Pokal: Hertha coach criticizes Wegner - Berlin mayor snubs Hertha BSC for Italy Olympics, sparking coach's fury
Hertha BSC coach Stefan Leitl has publicly criticised Berlin's governing mayor, Kai Wegner, for missing the team's DFB-Pokal match. Instead of supporting the local club, Wegner attended the Winter Olympics in Italy to promote Berlin's bid for the 2036 Summer Games. The dispute highlights tensions between the city's political ambitions and its footballing traditions.
The conflict arose when Wegner chose to travel to Milan for the Winter Olympics rather than attend Hertha's cup fixture. His visit aimed to signal Berlin's readiness to host the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics, with the German Olympic Sports Confederation set to decide on the bid by 26 September.
Leitl made his frustration clear in a post-match interview. 'His support would have been important today,' he said. 'I do have to criticise him for that. Maybe he'll show up on Saturday for the game against Hannover.' The coach later sharpened his remarks, adding, 'If that's the case, then he shouldn't be watching sports in Italy.'
Wegner had previously spoken of his childhood dream to see Hertha reach a DFB-Pokal final—a milestone the club has never achieved. Leitl fired back: 'Then he shouldn't be off watching sports in Italy—he should be here in Berlin, in the stadium.'
The timing of the dispute coincides with Berlin's active campaign for the 2036 Games. While Wegner's focus remains on securing international backing, Leitl's comments underscore the local significance of Hertha's cup run.
The row leaves Wegner facing pressure from both political and sporting circles. Hertha's next match against Hannover will test whether the mayor adjusts his priorities. Meanwhile, Berlin's Olympic bid continues, with a key decision expected in late September.
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