Matteo Guendouzi still needs to work and learn to get through his current rebellious phase, according to Hertha BSC’s head coach.

Hertha BSC - RB Leipzig, Matteo Guendouzi of Hertha BSC warming up, 21 02 2021, Copyright: Matthias Koch
Hertha BSC – RB Leipzig, Matteo Guendouzi of Hertha BSC warming up, 21 02 2021, Copyright: Matthias Koch

Recently, we covered the current potential concerns around Matteo Guendouzi’s loan spell with Hertha BSC. The midfielder had a very disappointing cameo against RB Leipzig in his last appearance, playing a role in both goals his team conceded.

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He’s also in and out of the starting lineup under new management, after starting every game under the old boss. Part of that is due to the January arrival of Sami Khedira, taking up a spot in midfield.

It seems our concerns weren’t completely unfounded, as new manager Pál Dárdai tells the media ‘rebel’ Guendouzi has work to do.

“It’s like puberty for him, he’s kind of a rebel. He has to work and learn like an animal,” Dárdai said.

“In training, I always stop these kinds of duels (like the one where Guendouzi lost the ball for Leipzig’s second goal) because you can’t fall to the ground like this. And, afterwards, he’s mad.”

We’ve heard these kinds of comments before, from pretty much every manager Guendouzi has had – bar perhaps Unai Emery. The midfielder’s attitude always comes up eventually, and it’s arguably why he’s not currently preparing to face Benfica on Thursday.

But this doesn’t have to be a disaster. If Guendouzi can rise to the challenge this time and work hard until the end of the season, he can certainly turn things around.