Hertha Berlin coach Friedhelm Funkel was delighted the gamble he took in Thursday night's 3-2 Europa League victory over Heerenveen paid off.

After a sequence of 12 games without a win, a run which included 10 defeats, Funkel went on the attack in Holland.

The win ought to give Hertha confidence ahead of Sunday's Bundesliga clash against Cologne.

"The team finally attacked again and created a hatful of chances," he said. "We took a total risk and we were rewarded for it."

It was much-maligned striker Artur Wichniarek whose last-minute goal gave Hertha victory.

The summer signing from Bielefeld had failed to manage even one shot on goal in his 11 games so far and had been made the scapegoat for Berlin's demise.

He now hopes this can be the springboard he and the side need to get back on track in the league.

"Nobody can know how I have felt in recent weeks," he told the Berliner Zeitung afterwards.

"I have a lot of respect for those who have believed in me. This game is a new beginning for me, for the fans and for the whole team."