Weidenfeller: We know not to underestimate them. We will go there aiming to win the game. We don’t know as much about them as we do some of the other teams we face, so we need to concentrate more on our own performance.
DFB.de: So the ambition is clearly to win against St. Pauli and continue on the journey to Berlin…
Weidenfeller: Of course. We know just how good it is to play in the final in Berlin. It’s our aim to get there again and improve on last season’s performance. We want to lift the trophy once again.
Borussia Dortmund face FC St. Pauli in the second round of the DFB Cup and Roman Weidenfeller is looking forward to the atmosphere in Hamburg. DFB.de spoke to the Germany international about friendships, the DFB Cup and a yearning to reach the final in Berlin.
DFB.de: Mr Weidenfeller, is it difficult to make friendships in the world of football?
Roman Weidenfeller: Professional football is a special environment. It’s a fast paced life and the temptation to take your eyes off the ball is high. As a result of this most footballers have their best friends outside the sport. But obviously, you make good friendships within the game too.
DFB.de: In the DFB Cup Borussia Dortmund face FC St. Pauli. The game allows you to see Florian Kringe again. Would you consider him a good friend?
Weidenfeller: Of course, we have a good friendship. We are in almost constant contact. We work together for the “Roten Keil”, an organisation which deals with child abuse. Since then we’ve been close.
DFB.de: He’s been injured recently, but looks to be on the way back. How closely do you follow his career?
Weidenfeller: I’m delighted to see that he is playing again. He has plenty of ability and will help St. Pauli for certain. It will be nice to play against him. It’s always a tough game in the Millerntor Stadium, especially in the cup.
DFB.de: Lasse Sobiech and Christopher Nöthe have also played for Dortmund and will line up against them this week.
Weidenfeller: Exactly. This makes the game interesting. It’s always special when you face former team mates.
DFB.de: Are you looking forward to the game?
Weidenfeller: Of course, I love playing under the floodlights and enjoy cup matches. The atmosphere is always special in these matches. The St. Pauli fans are enthusiastic, but the travelling support will be just as good.
DFB.de: BVB have previously been knocked out by lower divison sides in the second round – such as Kickers Offenbach three years ago – do you remember the game?
Weidenfeller: I remember the game clearly. The game finished 2-2 and went to penalties. I didn’t save their first one and our penalties just wouldn’t go in. Some days that happens; the cup is magical.
DFB.de: You have an interesting relationship with the cup. You’ve come off injured in the final once and had to sit it out entirely another time. Do you have a score to settle in the competition?
Weidenfeller: Not exactly. (laughs) I’ve won the cup once, it’s a great feeling. I’ve never played from start to finish in a cup win, which I would like to though.
DFB.de: What do you know about St. Pauli?
Weidenfeller: We know not to underestimate them. We will go there aiming to win the game. We don’t know as much about them as we do some of the other teams we face, so we need to concentrate more on our own performance.
DFB.de: So the ambition is clearly to win against St. Pauli and continue on the journey to Berlin…
Weidenfeller: Of course. We know just how good it is to play in the final in Berlin. It’s our aim to get there again and improve on last season’s performance. We want to lift the trophy once again.
