THE bowels of the Volksparkstadion's away dressing room are rumbling. Overhead an expectant throng of Hamburg supporters flick effortlessly through the greatest hits. High in one of the home stands, supporters packed in like marbles in a box give Home Sweet Home – the Hamburg fan anthem – an airing. There's an official Bundesliga banner that reads 'Relegation 2022' affixed to an awning to signify the importance of this match. But only one team present here can drop into 2.Bundesliga from German football's top flight and that side is Hertha Berlin, the visitors.
Down below, Mark Fotheringham is addressing the Hertha players. This is no callow collection of kids and journeymen. Gathered here are a body of international footballers, others who were previously bright young things and some household names nearing the end of their careers. Entrusted with training them, scouting today's opposition and working out how to beat them is the 38-year-old Scotsman, formerly a player with Celtic, Norwich City, Fulham and Anorthosis Famagusta and now a blossoming coach with successful stints at Karlsruher and Ingolstadt on his cv but a rookie at this level. He's addressing each man individually, cajoling them, exhorting each to reach their fullest potential – and telling them that none of the Hamburg players can hold a candle to them.
