The echoes of past triumphs resonating, East German football clubs still vividly remember their glorious days before the fall of the Berlin Wall. They once regularly graced the stages of European cup finals and amassed championships, now, 33 years after the German reunification, the traditional teams from the East find themselves in the bottom divisions of German football.
Once a thriving symbol of ambition, pride and promise, the story of Hertha BSC in recent years is one to delve further into. The club, who once proudly represented the capital city of Berlin, found itself dwindled in a cycle of mediocrity and chaos. Together with local photographer and Hertha fan, Kasimir Weichert, this article tells a story of mismanagement, failed investments, frustration, traditions and a fan base, which has never been more united after suffering from years of let downs and disappointments.
In an interview with IMAGO, Alex Lopez of Panenka tells us how the magazine, since 2011, has focused on telling the stories of real people and bringing football culture and teams closer to their fans.
