Hertha’s Top Signing Nilsson Nears Debut as Leitl Warns Against Complacency

Gustaf Nilsson could make his first appearance for Hertha Berlin on Sunday, just days after coach Stefan Leitl made clear how strongly he wanted the Swedish striker in the squad.

Leitl joked that his transfer deadline motto had been “Nilsson or nothing,” echoing Pep Guardiola’s past enthusiasm for signing Thiago at Bayern Munich. Hertha completed Nilsson’s move from Club Brugge, and the coach said the club was delighted because the striker fitted the team completely.

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Nilsson or nothing.

Nilsson is likely to begin as backup to Sebastian Gröning rather than in the starting lineup. Leitl said the newcomer would be brought gradually toward his best level. Hertha’s immediate focus is maintaining its perfect competitive start against Magdeburg, after four wins in four matches across the league and cup.

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We are very happy that he is here, and also happy because he fits 100 percent.

The game at the Olympiastadion is expected to draw 60,000 spectators, creating the prospect of a major football occasion. Leitl does not believe the team’s successful August has made it careless, but he said players must reproduce their intensity every week to win in the second division.

Hertha will be without Deyovaisio Zeefuik and Boris Mamuzah Lum, who are suspended after sending-offs. Despite setbacks in recent years and several high-profile summer departures, Leitl said the team remains confident in its plan and believes it can continue winning if it maintains the pace shown in its opening matches.

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I do not believe we have a problem with the current situation making us careless, but the fact is that we have to bring this intensity onto the pitch week after week to win matches in this league.