Roman Weidenfeller: BVB will help India improve technical aspect of football

The retired former Borussia Dortmund custodian spoke to Khel Now during his visit to Kolkata.

The Westfalenstadion was at its loudest with the Yellow Wall making most of the noise, as Borussia Dortmund held on to a win in the 2012-13 season Der Klassiker.  The hosts who had taken the lead through a Robert Lewandowski back-flick goal, were constantly under pressure from Bayern Munich. Further, things did not pan out well for the Black and Yellows, as an on-rushing Roman Weidenfeller caught Arjen Robben in the penalty area in the 86th minute and the referee pointed to the spot immediately.  While Robben stood making eye-contact with the big German custodian, it wasn't only him guarding the goal. The Yellow Wall also stood up in unison and did everything in support of their goalkeeper. Eventually, they jumped with jubilation when the Dutchman's spot-kick was well judged by the custodian, as he held the ball with adrenaline pumping through his veins. It was a moment which defined the legacy of Roman Weidenfeller, as Dortmund went on to win the Bundesliga along with with the DfB Pokal that season.  [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] "It was an unbelievable moment for me. So, many fans supported me from the stands, it was a great feeling. When I look back I think it was a bit lucky, but it was a special moment," said Roman Weidenfeller himself in a candid interview with Khel Now during his trip to Kolkata.

Thoughts on Jurgen Klopp

Roman Weidenfeller during his days with Borussia Dortmund under Jurgen Klopp's tutelage

The conversation then drifted towards Jurgen Klopp and his influence on Dortmund during his tenure. The German custodian also spoke how it was a similar situation at Liverpool as well when Klopp joined them. "I think it was a similar situation with us and Liverpool when he joined. Our club was also a little bit in the transition period and same was the case with Liverpool. "He started reaching out to the players and the club. Klopp has a special spirit and feeling for the people and not only for the team players. He was a keen believer in working together as a club and creating a big family, where he used to push everybody."

Borussia Dortmund, Lucien Favre and Bundesliga transfer trends

Dortmund have not won the Bundesliga ever since the 2011-12 season double. Despite coming close and having a big lead in the title race, the Black and Yellows have often faltered at the business end. When quizzed whether it is the mental aspect, the German asserted his views on the issue. "I think the mental aspect cannot be denied and it is a very big aspect of football. Last season the team wasn't in a great shape, mentality and the spirits. In spite of playing fantastic football in the first round in the league, in the second half of the season, they dropped points." [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] "It will only be good if you work hard on it. I think that was one of the main reason we lost out. But they are young, they need experience. This season, they are a little bit better and every year there are a lot of new players coming to Dortmund but we also give a lot of them away." Further, Roman Weidenfeller also shared his thoughts on the current Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre. "I think he is a really good coach. He is technical and I like his philosophy. He is a good guy." "I hear people criticising him for not rotating players but I think he is not like Julian Nagelsmann who changes his system five times in a game. I don't know whether it is good or bad but sometimes too much changing can be confusing for the players. He is good enough for the team and he is a little bit more all style and believes in attacking play." Germany has seen some great goalkeepers over the years. The teams have always looked for young custodians and tied them with long-term deals so that they can replace the experienced ones in few years. Currently, Bayern Munich have snapped up Alexander Nübel, looking at the 23-year as Manuel Neuer's long term replacement at the club. And there is hardly anyone better than Roman Weidenfeller to speak on this issue. He explained how young goalkeepers need game time to develop their skills.  "The question is, what is wrong with Manuel Neuer? (chuckles) I get your point. In Germany, there are a lot of great goalkeepers and good goalkeeping coaches as well. I think they should play in the youth leagues as they grow up and every time more in front. When you are young, you need to play. When you are in a big, club you need more time," he went on to add.  Of recent, Dortmund have been very gutsy in their approach in the transfer market. They have done some good bit of business and bought players like Julian Brandt, Thorgan Hazard, Erling Braut Haaland and others for reasonable price tags. Speaking about the change in transfer policy, the Bundesliga winner added, "Everything has changed in football, especially in transfers. Every club should come up and spend more money on young people and hold them for as long as possible." [KH_ADWORDS type="2" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

FIFA World Cup 2014

Roman Weidenfeller celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2014 victory with Germany

Coming to the semi final of 2014 World Cup in Brazil where Die Mannschaft had the pressure of playing against the home side at their own den. However, what unfolded in front of our eyes will be wrapped in footballing history for generations to come. Speaking of that emphatic 1-7 drubbing, Roman Weidenfeller was full of respect for the Selecao and the people there. He also stated how 'that' win against Brazil charged them up for the finals with the Brazilian people backing them in the finals. "It was a very happy moment. We didn't believe what happened at that moment. We have the utmost respect for the people in Brazil. There were people crying on the ground. We have a lot of respect for my teammates from Brazil and the people who were out on the streets. At that moment, we thought we had a little bit of luck and things clicked for us." "Yeah! After that game, we knew we had a big chance to win the World Cup. We knew we had all the Brazilian people backing us against Argentina in the finals. So they pushed us and they were really happy for us so we have a lot of respect for the people there," the 39-year old recalled with a glowing smile in his face. "Yes! We are always the favourites," he further opined about Germany's chances in the upcoming Euros. 

Coaching Role

When quizzed whether he would take up coaching and share his vast experience and knowledge of the game to young players,  Roman Weidenfeller added, " I am a TV expert in Germany for now. I like my job in Dortmund a lot and don't want to hurry my way into coaching. I like to be a little bit away from the team, a little bit more distant. You know what I mean, after 20 years of professional football, just now I am a little tired and want to experience different things." [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Indian Football

Bundesliga has extended an arm towards Indian football and have been interested in the people over here. However, when quizzed whether a tie-up or investment with any club is possible or not, Roman Weidenfeller mostly spoke about the technical aspects of the game which they want to help and improve here in India.  "We invest in the people, kids here in India. We want to put every child from the streets to a football academy. Where he can play and create his own character, fair play, loyalty. Not just for once, maybe we can bring coaches from Dortmund to coach the kids in the academies and also help India improve in the technical aspects of the game," concluded Roman Weidenfeller. The German legend was accompanied by Max-Jannis Foerster and Suresh Latchmanan as Dortmund look to play in a Legends match at the Salt Lake stadium in the near future. He also had a fun interactive session with the fans from the Yellow Wall India at a city hotel on Friday.