Ha Ho He – Hertha BSC! is the battle cry of Hertha BSC supporters. These days, following the departure of Jürgen Klinsmann, it is more Hertha – Ha Ha Ha.

Well, that was quick. Not even three months since taking over as coach of Hertha BSC, Jürgen Klinsmann, the ever smiling Swabo-American has vacated the post, citing a lack of trust within the club as reason for doing so. Hertha it must be said are somewhat smaller than they think of themselves and that is typical for Berlin: perennial loud mouths but little to back it up. Their last national title was the league title back in the 1930s. Since then, the division of the city has certainly cost them dearly and the fans and the city surely deserve a title and the accompanying publicity they so crave. Klinsmann offered a bit of glamour as his track record is not that bad but equally not that great.

Changes Long Overdue

He overturned the encrusted set-up within the DFB after becoming national coach of Germany in 2004 and all credit is due for him for doing that and enabling German football to progress to the 21th century. Ever since, the Germans have played some very good, even spectacular football. However, the revolution took its toll on Klinsmann and he resigned just a few days after the World Cup 2006, citing a feeling of burnout. What followed was the most successful period of German football since the early 1970s, during which Germany finished third in 2010 and won the 2014 World Cup, while finishing second in the Euro 2008.

Not Bad, But Not Great Either

Klinsmann’s career has not been blessed with much success that would make him a super coach. In fact, his sole success came as national coach of the USA in 2013. In between there was a stint as pundit for the broadcaster Arena, but the company folded relatively quickly and he was out of a job before it even began. In 2008 he went to Bayern but was sacked in April 2009. In this season, Bayern did not win any silverware. Which is indeed a rare occasion. His aura is that of walking away the moment it gets difficult or when his abilities are demanded. His departure from Hertha has the air of running away from a job that could break him more than he could be making any progress with the club.

Surely, he may have his reasons for walking away and he is clearly not fussed by the reputation he will have following it. Yet, for one of the greatest players of the 1990s, this is shambolic. Klinsmann, the coach is a different man from Klinsmann the player.