New Borussia Dortmund signing Marcel Lotka impresses again as Hertha Berlin steer clear of relegation threat
By Tushar Bahl
Marcel Lotka, who is set to join Borussia Dortmund in the summer, starred on Sunday as Hertha Berlin claimed a vital 2-0 win over VfB Stuttgart in the battle to avoid relegation.
Hertha BSC looked to be serious relegation candidates not long ago. But after claiming two massive back to back wins, the Berliners have opened up a four point cushion over the relegation playoff spot with just three games to go in the season. Goalkeeper Marcel Lotka played a vital role in their 2-0 win over Stuttgart on Sunday.
In the game against Stuttgart, Lotka made five saves and also showed great proactiveness between the sticks. He also made some intelligent forward passes and showed a real willingness to come off his line and collect the ball.
Lotka’s performance was crucial as Hertha claimed a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Davie Selke and Ishak Belfodil. Felix Magath’s side will now feel that they have an excellent chance of staying in the Bundesliga.
Lotka’s performance against Stuttgart came a week after his solid display against Augsburg. He has now kept back to back clean sheets for a Hertha side that has struggled defensively this season.
Marcel Lotka is set to join Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer in the summer. He only made his first-team debut for Hertha BSC in February due to an injury crisis. But he has gone from strength to strength since then, offering Hertha BSC an assured presence in goal.
The Black and Yellows revealed when they signed Lotka in March that the plan is for him to play for the U-23s in the 3. Liga next season. But they may be forced into a rethink following Lotka’s impressive recent performances in the Bundesliga.
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Lotka will obviously not replace Gregor Kobel in the first-team starting line-up, as the Swiss shot-stopper has hardly put a foot wrong since joining Borussia Dortmund. But it may make sense for Dortmund to send Lotka out on loan next season so he can gain match experience with a Bundesliga or 2. Bundesliga club.