German goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller on Messi, Ronaldo, and Indian soccer

Is that this your first time in India?

No, that is my second time. I’ve beforehand visited Mumbai and Bangalore in 2020, simply earlier than the pandemic. I bear in mind catching the final flight again to Germany in the beginning shut down.

What did you want about your final go to, and what are you wanting ahead to doing now?

The folks listed here are great; it’s at all times nice to be in India. The meals is a bit spicy for me, however excellent. Curiously, once I returned to Germany, I truly missed the visitors on India’s streets!

You spent over 16 years at Borussia Dortmund. If the goalposts at Sign Iduna Park may converse, what moments do you suppose they’d bear in mind most out of your profession?

My first title in 2011 was one of many largest moments. Successful that Bundesliga title with Dortmund was unimaginable. Then in 2012, we did the double, profitable each the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal. We additionally reached the Champions League ultimate, although we misplaced to Bayern Munich. They weren’t the higher group, however they’d extra luck that day.
A 12 months later, I reached the head of my profession by profitable the World Cup with Germany in Brazil. Over my profession, I received the Bundesliga twice and the DFB-Pokal twice. I’ve performed in lots of finals — whereas I’m proud, there’s at all times part of me that needs I’d received another title.

You confronted a few of the best forwards of all time like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Who was probably the most tough so that you can learn, and why?

Sure, the names you talked about are proper. However Cristiano Ronaldo was extremely tough to learn due to his relentless work ethic and confidence. I performed in opposition to him many instances, at Actual Madrid and later at Juventus. I additionally confronted Robert Lewandowski, who was my teammate at Dortmund earlier than he moved to Bayern Munich. He continues to play exceptionally properly, just lately profitable a title with Barcelona. I’ve performed in opposition to many robust strikers, like Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín, and others. However Ronaldo stands out. He’s at all times the primary within the dressing room, working arduous within the health club and on the pitch, and the final to go away. His dedication has saved him on the high for therefore lengthy, and now he’s persevering with his profession in Saudi Arabia.

As a part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup squad, what’s one behind-the-scenes second followers won’t find out about?

After our first recreation in opposition to Portugal, we had an enormous social gathering. Earlier than that match, nobody actually knew the place we stood or what to anticipate. Taking part in in Brazil was robust — the warmth was round 35 levels Celsius, making all the things tougher. However after we received 4-0, we celebrated at our camp in Campo Bahia. That social gathering introduced the group nearer, and it was unbelievable to be a part of such a united group. That first win gave us an enormous confidence increase for the remainder of the match.

You had a protracted profession and performed in a few of the largest matches. What was your routine for preparing for an enormous recreation?

I at all times adopted the identical routine, particularly for evening video games. Within the morning, we’d have breakfast, adopted by a brief coaching session to heat up. After lunch, I’d take a nap to recharge. Within the afternoon, we’d put together to go to the stadium. I at all times educated my thoughts by watching movies of my performances and listening to music to get into the suitable mindset. Earlier than the match, I’d swap off my cellphone to keep away from distractions and focus utterly.

Bundesliga is rising in India, with extra folks watching yearly. Do you observe Indian soccer?

Sure, I’ve adopted the Indian Tremendous League (ISL) through the years. A few of my former teammates have performed within the ISL. For instance, Manuel Friedrich, who was with Mainz 05 and Dortmund, spent a while in India. I additionally bear in mind Patrick Owomoyela contemplating a transfer right here, although it didn’t occur in the long run. The expansion of Indian soccer is spectacular, and it’s thrilling to see the growing curiosity and growth.

What can Indian followers be taught from the Bundesliga when it comes to youth coaching, fan tradition, or membership identification?

Indian soccer is rising quick, and there’s a lot potential right here. There are various folks desperate to be taught and develop by way of academies. The followers are unbelievable—generally the stadiums are offered out! Indian soccer is unquestionably on the rise.

Lastly, if 20-year-old Roman had been listening to you at the moment, what recommendation would you give your youthful self?

Have enjoyable with what you do. In the beginning, get pleasure from enjoying soccer and keep focussed. Work arduous, settle for the foundations, and preserve self-discipline. It’s additionally actually necessary to construct good relationships together with your teammates. That’s one thing you be taught alongside the way in which, and it helps you each on and off the pitch.