Hertha Berlin has suddenly become a role model. The football club, forced to sell its best players this summer due to financial constraints, has caused a stir with a historic start to the season and is now being discussed as a blueprint for Berlin's politics.

The 'Alte Dame' won its first six games of the season, a first in the club's history. This success is based on a radical overhaul: after selling key players like Fabian Reese, Tjark Ernst and Kennet Eichhorn, the club now consistently relies on talents from its own academy and experienced players who saw no future elsewhere. It's a philosophy of modesty and collectivism, with no room for lone wolves or loudmouths. Relegation was predicted before the season; now Hertha leads the table.

The New Reality

The financial predicament forced the club to prioritise cash over quality. Even expenses for soft drinks for staff were cut. But necessity became a virtue. The focus is now on the essentials and collective effort. This attitude contrasts with the still precarious finances of the city of Berlin, whose former mayor Klaus Wowereit once said: "Berlin is poor, but sexy." More than two decades later, this statement still holds true.

Momentum on the Pitch

Sporting confirmation follows week after week. Most recently, Hertha secured a third consecutive win with a 2-1 victory at Dynamo Dresden on 19 September. Jón Dagur Þórsteinsson scored both goals. Before that came a 3-1 success in Osnabrück and a 2-1 win against Magdeburg. The current form of three wins, one draw and one loss from the last five games shows the consolidation. The team's top scorer so far is Josip Brekalo with four goals.

A Symbol of Hope

In a city characterised by constant change, Hertha BSC has also transformed. From an object of mockery, the club has become a symbol of hope, and that extends beyond sport. While city rivals 1. FC Union are currently struggling to find a suitable coach for their once-successful formula of cohesion and collective will, Hertha is showing a possible path. The new Berlin state government, elected last Sunday, could learn a lesson in modesty and team spirit here.

The next task for the upwardly mobile team is the away game at Hertha Zehlendorf on 29 September. The current squad list shows who is available for this assignment.

This story first appeared at FAZ Sport