No time to be sentimental. For Kevin Großkreutz, the quarterfinal of the DFB Cup represents a return to his old club, a reunion with old teammates and fans, and a clash against his first club. But this bond will have to be suppressed on Tuesday at 20:30 CET, when VfB Stuttgart face Borussia Dortmund. "Those who know me will know that I don’t make friends out on the pitch," confirmed the world champion in an interview with DFB.de.
DFB.de: Mr. Großkreutz, You face your childhood club for the first time on a professional level. What feelings do you have going into the game?
Kevin
Großkreutz: It’s even more special as the final in Berlin is not that far away. It won’t be easy, BVB are a top Bundesliga side. I am of course excited to face the team that I started at, and with whom I celebrated lots of success later.
DFB.de: You built up a special relationship with the club. Is it really that easy to turn off all emotion?
Großkreutz: I am the kind of player who gives his all for his team. I’m pumped for the match and will give 100%. Those who know me will know that I don’t make friends out on the pitch.
DFB.de: Are your current teammates supporting you going into the match?
Großkreutz: We have been 100% focused on the Frankfurt match, and so have hardly spoken about the Dortmund game. I don’t need any extra motivation for the match though (laughs).
DFB.de: Is it the other way around then, are you looking to motivate the other players because you’re so determined to win against your ex-club?
Großkreutz: We are all pumped for the match. The cup final is the last match of the season, a very special game with an incredible atmosphere. That’s motivation enough for everyone.
DFB.de: What Dortmund players are you still in contact with?
Großkreutz: I still talk to Marco Reus, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marcel Schmelzer. I got on very well with the whole team. I’m sure I’ll write to a couple of the lads in the days leading up to the game too.
DFB.de: Do you have any bets with any of them?
Großkreutz: No, I have no bets and I won’t be making any either.
DFB.de: Which player do you hope to swap kits with at the end of the match?
Großkreutz: I haven’t thought about that. I just want to get into the next round with VfB, that’s all that matters.
DFB.de: You were a fan favourite at Dortmund. Do you fear for your reputation there should Dortmund be dumped out of the competition?
Großkreutz: I am a Stuttgart player now, and want to perform as well as I can in the match.
DFB.de: Do you have a message for the BVB fans?
Großkreutz: I’m looking forward to the match - quarterfinal, under the floodlights, packed stadium.
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No time to be sentimental. For Kevin Großkreutz, the quarterfinal of the DFB Cup represents a return to his old club, a reunion with old teammates and fans, and a clash against his first club. But this bond will have to be suppressed on Tuesday at 20:30 CET, when VfB Stuttgart face Borussia Dortmund. "Those who know me will know that I don’t make friends out on the pitch," confirmed the world champion in an interview with DFB.de.
DFB.de: Mr. Großkreutz, You face your childhood club for the first time on a professional level. What feelings do you have going into the game?
Kevin
Großkreutz: It’s even more special as the final in Berlin is not that far away. It won’t be easy, BVB are a top Bundesliga side. I am of course excited to face the team that I started at, and with whom I celebrated lots of success later.
DFB.de: You built up a special relationship with the club. Is it really that easy to turn off all emotion?
Großkreutz: I am the kind of player who gives his all for his team. I’m pumped for the match and will give 100%. Those who know me will know that I don’t make friends out on the pitch.
DFB.de: Are your current teammates supporting you going into the match?
Großkreutz: We have been 100% focused on the Frankfurt match, and so have hardly spoken about the Dortmund game. I don’t need any extra motivation for the match though (laughs).
DFB.de: Is it the other way around then, are you looking to motivate the other players because you’re so determined to win against your ex-club?
Großkreutz: We are all pumped for the match. The cup final is the last match of the season, a very special game with an incredible atmosphere. That’s motivation enough for everyone.
DFB.de: What Dortmund players are you still in contact with?
Großkreutz: I still talk to Marco Reus, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marcel Schmelzer. I got on very well with the whole team. I’m sure I’ll write to a couple of the lads in the days leading up to the game too.
DFB.de: Do you have any bets with any of them?
Großkreutz: No, I have no bets and I won’t be making any either.
DFB.de: Which player do you hope to swap kits with at the end of the match?
Großkreutz: I haven’t thought about that. I just want to get into the next round with VfB, that’s all that matters.
DFB.de: You were a fan favourite at Dortmund. Do you fear for your reputation there should Dortmund be dumped out of the competition?
Großkreutz: I am a Stuttgart player now, and want to perform as well as I can in the match.
DFB.de: Do you have a message for the BVB fans?
Großkreutz: I’m looking forward to the match - quarterfinal, under the floodlights, packed stadium.
