In a lively encounter at the Baller League on March 31, 2025, Kevin-Prince Boateng made headlines by crashing an interview with Max Kruse, determined to defend his former club, Hertha BSC. The unexpected interruption came as Kruse, who played for Union Berlin from 2020 until early 2022, was discussing Hertha's struggles during a media roundtable.
Kruse, known for his candid opinions, had recently criticized Hertha's performance on his podcast, "Flatterball." He didn't hold back, stating, "Das, was sie fußballerisch anbieten, ist halt auch einfach grottig," reflecting on the team's disappointing season following a managerial change from Cristian Fiél to Stefan Leitl. His comments echoed the frustrations of many fans who have watched Hertha struggle in the lower tiers of German football.
As Kruse spoke about the need for Hertha to improve, Boateng, a club legend and passionate supporter, couldn't resist stepping in. "Bist du wieder gegen Hertha am Schießen? Es reicht langsam!" he exclaimed, playfully admonishing Kruse for his ongoing criticisms. The exchange, while lighthearted, underscored the tension between the two former players regarding their respective clubs.
Boateng, who played for Hertha from his youth until 2007 and returned for a brief stint from 2021 to 2023, humorously reminded Kruse of Union Berlin's need to play their Champions League matches in Hertha's home stadium, the Olympiastadion. "Du hast für einen Verein gespielt, der nur 10.000 Plätze hatte. Es gab ja so einen Verein, der musste umziehen, damit er überhaupt Champions League spielen konnte, in unserem Zuhause," he quipped, highlighting the rivalry that exists between the two clubs.
Kruse, unfazed by Boateng's interruption, continued his analysis, emphasizing that Hertha has the ambition to be in the Bundesliga. "Sie haben eigentlich auch den Anspruch, in der Bundesliga zu sein. Dafür muss man irgendwann liefern," he stated, while also acknowledging that this season is beyond salvaging. "Diese Saison wird nicht mehr gerettet, das steht schon fest," he added, suggesting that significant changes in the club's structure and personnel are necessary for future success.
Despite the banter, both players seem to share a common concern for the future of their clubs. Kruse expressed his hope that Hertha could avoid a catastrophic drop to the third league, describing it as an "absolutes Horrorszenario." He noted that even being in the second league feels misplaced for a club with such a rich history and aspirations.
Following the playful exchange, Kruse reflected on the current situation at Union Berlin, which recently secured a vital win against SC Freiburg. "Jetzt haben sie einen kleinen Puffer, aber es sind natürlich auch noch viele Spiele. Man darf es nicht überbewerten," he cautioned, reminding fans that while the victory was a positive sign, it does not guarantee safety from relegation.
As the conversation continued, Kruse acknowledged that Union's ambitions are tempered by financial realities. "Unions Anspruch ist es nicht, immer um die europäischen Plätze zu spielen. Dafür ist der Geldfluss zu klein," he explained, highlighting the challenges smaller clubs face in competing with more financially robust teams.
Boateng, after his brief but impactful cameo, left the discussion, stating he had "keine Stimme mehr" to discuss Hertha's situation following his team's victory in the Baller League. His loyalty to Hertha is clear, but he seems to recognize the need for a strategic overhaul at the club.
This lively interaction at the Baller League not only showcased the camaraderie between two former Bundesliga stars but also highlighted the ongoing struggles of Hertha BSC and the fierce rivalry with Union Berlin. As both clubs navigate their respective challenges, the passion and commitment of players like Boateng and Kruse remain pivotal in shaping the narrative of Berlin football.
As the season progresses, fans of both clubs will be watching closely, eager to see how the drama unfolds both on and off the pitch. With Kruse's outspoken nature and Boateng's fierce loyalty, the rivalry between Hertha and Union is sure to continue heating up, especially as both teams fight for their place in the Bundesliga.
