Public appearances are rare, and interviews with Georg Schwarzenbeck are rarer still. This has been especially true ahead of the clash between FC Bayern München and Atlético Madrid on Wednesday (20:45 CEST). Schwarzenbeck, who was known affectionately as 'Katsche', scored one of his few career goals against the historic Spanish club - the equalising goal in the European Cup final of 1974. His shot from 25 metres out took the game to a replay, and two days later, Bayern claimed their first ever European title, beating Atlético 4-0.
These two matches are, incredibly, the last time these two big European clubs have come up against eachother. Tomorrow, 42 years down the line, they meet again - a fitting opportunity for Schwarzenbeck to return to the limelight. In an interview with DFB.de, the 68-year-old discusses the two finals in May of 1974, his famous goal and Bayern’s chances this time around.
DFB.de: Mr. Schwarzenbeck, you scored the best goal of your career 42 years ago against Atletico Madrid - taking the tie to a replay which Bayern later won.
Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck: Yeah, people like to look back on this goal. It was an incredible moment. Nights like that stay with you forever, and goals like that don’t happen very often. And to be honest, I’m not really a born finisher.
DFB.de: Have you seen the goal more frequently since the draw was made and Bayern found out they were facing Atletico in the semi-final?
Schwarzenbeck: I have actually seen it somewhere recently. I have the DVD of the whole game at home, maybe I’ll sit down and watch it. That’ll be enough though.
DFB.de: You’ve had to describe the goal hundreds, thousands of times. Your manager at the time, Udo Lattek, was on his way back to the dressing room and only saw it over his shoulder. He later said: "He didn’t know where the ball was going, he just smashed it."
Schwarzenbeck: The ball came from Franz, and I didn’t think too much about it. It was pure instinct. I just hit it towards goal, and suddenly it was in the back of the net.
Public appearances are rare, and interviews with Georg Schwarzenbeck are rarer still. This has been especially true ahead of the clash between FC Bayern München and Atlético Madrid on Wednesday (20:45 CEST). Schwarzenbeck, who was known affectionately as 'Katsche', scored one of his few career goals against the historic Spanish club - the equalising goal in the European Cup final of 1974. His shot from 25 metres out took the game to a replay, and two days later, Bayern claimed their first ever European title, beating Atlético 4-0.
These two matches are, incredibly, the last time these two big European clubs have come up against eachother. Tomorrow, 42 years down the line, they meet again - a fitting opportunity for Schwarzenbeck to return to the limelight. In an interview with DFB.de, the 68-year-old discusses the two finals in May of 1974, his famous goal and Bayern’s chances this time around.
DFB.de: Mr. Schwarzenbeck, you scored the best goal of your career 42 years ago against Atletico Madrid - taking the tie to a replay which Bayern later won.
Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck: Yeah, people like to look back on this goal. It was an incredible moment. Nights like that stay with you forever, and goals like that don’t happen very often. And to be honest, I’m not really a born finisher.
DFB.de: Have you seen the goal more frequently since the draw was made and Bayern found out they were facing Atletico in the semi-final?
Schwarzenbeck: I have actually seen it somewhere recently. I have the DVD of the whole game at home, maybe I’ll sit down and watch it. That’ll be enough though.
DFB.de: You’ve had to describe the goal hundreds, thousands of times. Your manager at the time, Udo Lattek, was on his way back to the dressing room and only saw it over his shoulder. He later said: "He didn’t know where the ball was going, he just smashed it."
Schwarzenbeck: The ball came from Franz, and I didn’t think too much about it. It was pure instinct. I just hit it towards goal, and suddenly it was in the back of the net.
DFB.de: You only scored two goals in European Cups, but this crucial goal was arguably the trigger for Bayern’s later dominance in the 1970s.
Schwarzenbeck: I was just pleased that we were able to force a replay through my goal. Everything worked out.
DFB.de: After the draw, Thomas Müller said: "Katsche will have to come to Madrid with us - as a good luck charm." Will you be on the flight?
Schwarzenbeck: That was a nice gesture from Thomas, even though he only knows about the goal from the history books. But no, the stress would be too much. There’s no point me sitting around for a couple of days - they don’t need me as a good luck charm. The team are stable enough as it is, and bursting with confidence.
DFB.de: How much fuss has been made in recent days?
Schwarzenbeck: I’ve had a few press requests - even from Spain. I always recall the same memories. But these are enjoyable to talk about.
DFB.de: How do you rate their chances of reaching the final?
Schwarzenbeck: Atlético have always been a very strong side, the same is true today. With that said, I have a feeling they will get through. I am sure Bayern will get the double, even though Dortmund have been very good this season. And I have a similar feeling going into the Atletico tie.
DFB.de: After the DFB Cup final, comes the Champions League final…
Schwarzenbeck: A final against Real Madrid would be fantastic, but you can’t underestimate Manchester City. I am interested to see how the English side will play. In the final it’s all about form on the day, and you need a little bit of luck.
DFB.de: Football has changed a lot. Central defenders have different jobs nowadays. Despite that, how do you rate your successors?
Schwarzenbeck: It’s important that Jérôme Boateng is fit in time for the Madrid match. I really hope that is the case. He has been injured since January, that’s a long time out. His presence on the pitch alone gives the team a sense of security. He has everything you could want in your centre half, and his successes back this up.
DFB.de: And do you like Javi Martinez?
Schwarzenbeck: Boateng and Javi play well together, and are a balanced pairing. They are both good in the air, play the ball out well. If they both play, Alaba can play at left back - where he can make use of his strengths most effectively.
DFB.de: To end, a word on yourself. You have retired recently, and stopped working at the stationary shop in Munich, but still provide Bayern with office supplies.
Schwarzenbeck: Correct. I am doing well, and am very happy. I regularly attend the home matches and will be there in the stadium for the second leg against Atletico.
