Leitl ahead of Dresden duel: Play soccer and nothing else

Ahead of the explosive clash with Dynamo Dresden, Hertha coach Stefan Leitl wants to concentrate fully on the sporting side of things. "The team is focused on soccer. It's a second division game and that should be the focus," said the 48-year-old after several questions about security issues in connection with the encounter against the Saxons on Saturday (1pm/Sky).

"It's great that this stadium is full. It's great that there's a good atmosphere, but we're playing soccer and nothing else," said Leitl. "That should be the main focus and everyone involved should do their bit to ensure that this goes off peacefully."

Hertha spokesperson: "No cause for alarmism or panic"

The Berliners are expecting 20,000 to 25,000 fans from Saxony. The stadium will be full with a total of around 70,000 spectators. There will be buffer blocks for security reasons. Dresden supporters are not allowed to wear any fan paraphernalia in the home area. There were already provocations from Dresden before the match. The two camps are considered enemies. In addition, Union are also playing at home on Saturday.

Hertha press officer Vera Krings also called for calm. There was "no cause for alarmism or panic". They are very well prepared. "The cooperation with all the trades involved has been excellent, very constructive, very close, for weeks now," emphasized Krings. "There is a very intensive exchange and the security concepts and operational concepts for such a match day have also been tried and tested."