„Un trascinatore“, a leadership personality, somebody that stirrs the pot, that makes his teammembers better players. That was the attribute given to Rudi Völler by Dino Viola, the President of the Italian club AS Roma, currently in first place of the Primera Division. Völler, one of the outstanding forward’s in German football history, certainly brought excitement into the opponent’s penalty box. He was part of the German team that won the World Championship in 1990. Playing for Roma, he won the Italian Cup in 1991. And in 1993, then with Olympique Marseille, he won the UEFA Champions League. As a player, Völler had nothing less than a stellar career.
As a coach, he led the German national team into the 2002 final against Brazil, his third appearance in a World Cup final overall. Today, as the Sports Director of Bayer Leverkusen, he is once again very much “un trascinatore”. But even more than for his successes on the football pitch, fans applaud and adore him for his credibility, his authenticity and his directness.
On Tuesday, Rudi Völler celebrates his 50th birthday. Wolfgang Tobien talked with him in this exclusive interview for DFB.de about high- and lowlights of his career.
DFB.de: Rudi Völler, how will you celebrate your birthday?
Rudi Völler: I would love to go on a trip with my wife for a few days, but that’s just not possible during the finale of the season. Instead, we have invited a rather small circle of family and friends. A bigger party will have to wait when I celebrate my 60th birthday.
DFB.de: Do you have any special birthday wishes?
Völler: My team gave me a great present on Saturday, when they tied Bayern München. They played with fervor and dedication, especially in the second half. Their effort deserved three points. I intend to devote myself to the success of Bayer Leverkusen for the foreseeable future. Obviously, health for my family and myself is on top of my wishlist.
DFB.de: When you look back on these fifty years, what comes to your mind?
Völler: Being fifty years old feels different today from the days of my father, who was in the war during his younger days. He had to work very hard, so he felt drained and exhausted, when he reached fifty. I feel still young and physically in shape, as many of my contemporaries. As for my private life, I feel blessed that I met Sabrina, who I first met and then married during my stay in Roma. I don’t regret anything.
DFB.de: You went through your share of changes during the past decades. From being a pro to becoming a star of world-renown, from a top-notch goalgetter to a coach, from coaching the German national team to directing Bundesliga powerhouse Bayer Leverkusen. How did these changes effect your personality?
Völler: Coaching Germany was such a huge responsibilty, that these years left their mark. It is the beloved team of every German, there is no more prestigious coaching job in Germany. I had four exciting years, but make no mistake, it is a heavy load to carry as well. I’m sure Jogi Löw feels the same way. Each move is scrutinized and discussed.
DFB.de: You won major titles as a player, something you are lacking as a coach or athletic director – yet.
Völler: I feel very relaxed about winning a major title with Bayer. What are the criteria for success? I ask myself, what’s a bigger success, Bayern München finishing first in the Bundesliga or Mainz 05 collecting 38 points after 26 games as a newcomer to the league?
DFB.de: What is your answer?
Völler: Well, just think about the possibilities, the available ressources, therefore I would rate Mainz’ success higher. When Jürgen Klopp left, many thought, they might as well shut down Mainz. Success is very much a question of perspective. Whoever signs a five-year contract with Bayern München, whether as the coach, as the team-trainer or equipment manager or as a player, they can be sure to win three German championships within that time-span. Bayern has build such a solid foundation over the years, so they deserve all that success.
DFB.de: How do you rate the importance and value of a World Cup?
Völler: Who won the Bundesliga three years ago? Most fans would need to google the answer, or flip the pages in some old issues of (German football magazine) kicker. The value fades fast, because you’re only German champion for a year. But World Champion, that’s for life. It is the biggest title, tournament and event in football. I plan to spend a few days in South Africa this summer, to absorb the atmosphere. And to scout some talents for Bayer Leverkusen. Finally to support our team.
DFB.de: How far can they take it, Joachim Löw and his team?
Völler: Opponents respect our qualities as a tournament team. And Germany will play convingly in South Africa, too. Löw will send a well-prepared team on the pitch. They have a shot at reaching the finale.
DFB.de.: Who will be the topstar at the World Cup 2010?
Völler: Some player from the two teams that reach the final, possibly a Spaniard or a Brazilian. Lionel Messi is an obvious choice, if Argentina can provide him with a support cast of similar quality as does Barcelona. Michael Ballack could be the superstar of the tournament. He'd be ready for it.
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„Un trascinatore“, a leadership personality, somebody that stirrs the pot, that makes his teammembers better players. That was the attribute given to Rudi Völler by Dino Viola, the President of the Italian club AS Roma, currently in first place of the Primera Division. Völler, one of the outstanding forward’s in German football history, certainly brought excitement into the opponent’s penalty box. He was part of the German team that won the World Championship in 1990. Playing for Roma, he won the Italian Cup in 1991. And in 1993, then with Olympique Marseille, he won the UEFA Champions League. As a player, Völler had nothing less than a stellar career.
As a coach, he led the German national team into the 2002 final against Brazil, his third appearance in a World Cup final overall. Today, as the Sports Director of Bayer Leverkusen, he is once again very much “un trascinatore”. But even more than for his successes on the football pitch, fans applaud and adore him for his credibility, his authenticity and his directness.
On Tuesday, Rudi Völler celebrates his 50th birthday. Wolfgang Tobien talked with him in this exclusive interview for DFB.de about high- and lowlights of his career.
DFB.de: Rudi Völler, how will you celebrate your birthday?
Rudi Völler: I would love to go on a trip with my wife for a few days, but that’s just not possible during the finale of the season. Instead, we have invited a rather small circle of family and friends. A bigger party will have to wait when I celebrate my 60th birthday.
DFB.de: Do you have any special birthday wishes?
Völler: My team gave me a great present on Saturday, when they tied Bayern München. They played with fervor and dedication, especially in the second half. Their effort deserved three points. I intend to devote myself to the success of Bayer Leverkusen for the foreseeable future. Obviously, health for my family and myself is on top of my wishlist.
DFB.de: When you look back on these fifty years, what comes to your mind?
Völler: Being fifty years old feels different today from the days of my father, who was in the war during his younger days. He had to work very hard, so he felt drained and exhausted, when he reached fifty. I feel still young and physically in shape, as many of my contemporaries. As for my private life, I feel blessed that I met Sabrina, who I first met and then married during my stay in Roma. I don’t regret anything.
DFB.de: You went through your share of changes during the past decades. From being a pro to becoming a star of world-renown, from a top-notch goalgetter to a coach, from coaching the German national team to directing Bundesliga powerhouse Bayer Leverkusen. How did these changes effect your personality?
Völler: Coaching Germany was such a huge responsibilty, that these years left their mark. It is the beloved team of every German, there is no more prestigious coaching job in Germany. I had four exciting years, but make no mistake, it is a heavy load to carry as well. I’m sure Jogi Löw feels the same way. Each move is scrutinized and discussed.
DFB.de: You won major titles as a player, something you are lacking as a coach or athletic director – yet.
Völler: I feel very relaxed about winning a major title with Bayer. What are the criteria for success? I ask myself, what’s a bigger success, Bayern München finishing first in the Bundesliga or Mainz 05 collecting 38 points after 26 games as a newcomer to the league?
DFB.de: What is your answer?
[bild2]
Völler: Well, just think about the possibilities, the available ressources, therefore I would rate Mainz’ success higher. When Jürgen Klopp left, many thought, they might as well shut down Mainz. Success is very much a question of perspective. Whoever signs a five-year contract with Bayern München, whether as the coach, as the team-trainer or equipment manager or as a player, they can be sure to win three German championships within that time-span. Bayern has build such a solid foundation over the years, so they deserve all that success.
DFB.de: How do you rate the importance and value of a World Cup?
Völler: Who won the Bundesliga three years ago? Most fans would need to google the answer, or flip the pages in some old issues of (German football magazine) kicker. The value fades fast, because you’re only German champion for a year. But World Champion, that’s for life. It is the biggest title, tournament and event in football. I plan to spend a few days in South Africa this summer, to absorb the atmosphere. And to scout some talents for Bayer Leverkusen. Finally to support our team.
DFB.de: How far can they take it, Joachim Löw and his team?
Völler: Opponents respect our qualities as a tournament team. And Germany will play convingly in South Africa, too. Löw will send a well-prepared team on the pitch. They have a shot at reaching the finale.
DFB.de.: Who will be the topstar at the World Cup 2010?
Völler: Some player from the two teams that reach the final, possibly a Spaniard or a Brazilian. Lionel Messi is an obvious choice, if Argentina can provide him with a support cast of similar quality as does Barcelona. Michael Ballack could be the superstar of the tournament. He'd be ready for it.
