Roman Weidenfeller, certainly one of German football’s most celebrated goalkeepers and a 2014 World Cup winner, was in India in April to encourage the following era. The long-time Borussia Dortmund star, who lifted a number of Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal trophies, is right here as a part of the Bundesliga Dream challenge, a talent-scouting initiative that brings promising younger Asian footballers to Germany for elite coaching and publicity to European competitors. In Mumbai, Weidenfeller and youth coaches from VfB Stuttgart and SV Darmstadt 98 will hand-pick gamers from India’s under-13 and under-15 ranks for a presumably life-changing stint at high academies. Roman spoke to The Hindu over Zoom from Mumbai to replicate on his profession and India’s footballing future.
Roman Weidenfeller working with aspiring Indian footballers
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Is 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 at the beginning shut down.
What did you want about your final go to, and what are you wanting ahead to doing now?
The individuals listed below are fantastic; it’s at all times nice to be in India. The meals is a bit spicy for me, however superb. Interestingly, once I returned to Germany, I really missed the site visitors on India’s streets!
You spent over 16 years at Borussia Dortmund. If the goalposts at Signal Iduna Park might converse, what moments do you suppose they might bear in mind most out of your profession?
My first title in 2011 was one of many greatest moments. Winning 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 remaining, although we misplaced to Bayern Munich. They weren’t the higher crew, however that they had extra luck that day.
A yr later, I reached the top of my profession by profitable the World Cup with Germany in Brazil. Over my profession, I gained 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 gained another title.
You confronted a number of the biggest forwards of all time like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Who was essentially the most troublesome so that you can learn, and why?
Yes, the names you talked about are proper. But Cristiano Ronaldo was extremely troublesome to learn due to his relentless work ethic and confidence. I performed in opposition to him many instances, at Real 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 effectively, not too long ago profitable a title with Barcelona. I’ve performed in opposition to many robust strikers, like Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín, and others. But Ronaldo stands out. He’s at all times the primary within the dressing room, working laborious within the fitness center and on the pitch, and the final to depart. His dedication has saved him on the high for thus lengthy, and now he’s persevering with his profession in Saudi Arabia.
Roman Weidenfeller and Cristiano Ronaldo
| Photo Credit:
AP
As a part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup squad, what’s one behind-the-scenes second followers may not find out about?
After our first sport in opposition to Portugal, we had an enormous social gathering. Before that match, nobody actually knew the place we stood or what to anticipate. Playing in Brazil was robust — the warmth was round 35 levels Celsius, making all the things more difficult. But after we gained 4-0, we celebrated at our camp in Campo Bahia. That social gathering introduced the crew nearer, and it was incredible 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 number of the greatest matches. What was your routine for preparing for an enormous sport?
I at all times adopted the identical routine, particularly for night time video games. In the morning, we’d have breakfast, adopted by a brief coaching session to heat up. After lunch, I’d take a nap to recharge. In 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 best mindset. Before the match, I’d change off my telephone to keep away from distractions and focus utterly.
Bundesliga is rising in India, with extra individuals watching yearly. Do you comply with Indian football?
Yes, I’ve adopted the Indian Super League (ISL) through the years. Some 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 development of Indian football is spectacular, and it’s thrilling to see the rising curiosity and growth.
What can Indian followers study from the Bundesliga by way of youth coaching, fan tradition, or membership id?
Indian football is rising quick, and there’s a lot potential right here. There are many individuals desirous to study and develop by academies. The followers are incredible—typically the stadiums are bought out! Indian football is certainly on the rise.
Finally, if 20-year-old Roman have been listening to you at the moment, what recommendation would you give your youthful self?
Have enjoyable with what you do. First and foremost, get pleasure from taking part in football and keep focussed. Work laborious, settle for the foundations, and preserve self-discipline. It’s additionally actually essential to construct good relationships along with your teammates. That’s one thing you study alongside the way in which, and it helps you each on and off the pitch.
Sony Sports Network is the official broadcaster of Bundesliga in India
Published – May 09, 2025 01:25 pm IST
