As taken from the club website, an interview with Hertha's very own big show, Mikael Aerts.
He is the main cornerstone of the young Hertha team. That became crystal clear towards the end of the opening half of the season, as experienced Hertha keeper Mikael Aerts, 34, was sidelined with a knee injury. His absence was clearly visible. Hertha have yet to lose a division two game with him between their posts. The man-mountain Dutchman spoke to herthabsc.de about the impending Berlin derby, the season goal of the club and even his time at a monastery.......More tea vicar????
herthabsc.de: Maikel, Hertha beat Bielefeld away last time out. How tough a game was it?
Aerts: On paper, it didn't look too tough. But every team we play wants to do well against us, which means us having to do more work than our opponent. The first half was super, we were very tight, although we should have scored a third goal before the break. Bielefeld were slightly the stronger side after the break, but we still deserved to win there.
You had a qiet game with little to deal with. Do you like such games, or would you prefer more of an opportunity to show what you are capable of?
Aerts: When you are in goal for Hertha, you get one or two chances in a game to show what you can do. But you have to be 100% ready for those moments. It is important to the team that you are. I played in relegation battles in Holland during my three and a half years with Willem II. When you lose 0-4, you as a keeper might have had a good game, but it doesn't help the team.
Hertha have won all three of their games since the winter break. What must the team do in the near future?
Aerts: Win games! We have to get a good run going like we did before the winter break, during which we went seven or eight games unbeaten. Then I hope we have a decent points-cushion over our nearest rivals. That is what we all work hard towards!
City rival Union is up next. What kind of game do you expect?
Aerts: I hope it will be a great game! Such games are simply nice to be a part of. The Olympic stadium has I believe been sold out for two months. The stadium will be full. The game is very important to us, because we want all three points.
What made you become a goalkeeper?
Aerts: I was an outfield player for the first two years, and my father told me that after a certain point I stop running. Then I became a keeper. I don't like to run too much (laughs)!
Apart from a short spell in Belgium, you played your whole career in your native Holland. What excited you about playing in Germany?
Aerts: The chance to gain promotion with Hertha was a good perspective. Hertha is a super club and I really wanted to play abroad. When Hertha come knocking you can't say no!
What was your most positive experience with Hertha?
Aerts: I can't really say. The first time I came to Berlin I felt at home right away. I think it is great that the team and the city have a collective target they are aiming to achieve. That makes us strong. But the best experience is yet to come. Promtion to the Bundesliga!
What are German people like in your opinion?
Aerts: I can only say positive things about the Germans. The people in Berlin are very open, like myself. I feel at home with my family in Berlin. I feel like a kid in a massive playground, which is good.
Did you really learn your German in a monastery?
Aerts: Yes, from Monday to Friday between 8.30 in the morning until 9 at night I learnt the language.
What was it like there?
Aerts: It was a good time for me. The first time I spoke to Michael Preetz we both had to speak in English, because I could not speak a word of German. Now I can't speak English anymore (laughing).
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