Roman Weidenfeller, former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper and the embodiment of loyalty recently looked back on his unforgettable 16-season run with the club. He elaborated on the close relationship he built with its advocates and his perspective on how the team is doing now. Known for his impressive shot-stopping abilities and leadership on the field, Weidenfeller made over 450 appearances for Dortmund and became a key figure in their successes during his time.
Weidenfeller won his first cap for Germany against England at Wembley in 2012 and went on to claim a World Cup winner’s medal in 2014. His career was highlighted by many accomplishments, including two Bundesliga titles and countless highlights that made him a fan favorite all over the world. He proudly stood as the protector of the famed Yellow Wall, the passionate supporters that create an electrifying atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park.
One of the most special experiences that the former goalkeeper has ever had was playing with his brother at Borussia Dortmund together. He explained how incredible it was to step onto the field alongside family members while wearing the club’s colors. Weidenfeller had an impressive career, oftentimes starring against the top clubs in Europe. Though there was less pressure, he said he always wanted his best because he knew those tests mattered most.
Kevin Weidenfeller, no regrets after having moved to Munich in 2012. That year, he won Player of the Match honors while playing for Dortmund in pivotal matches. He expressed worry about the wild inconsistency the team’s shown thus far.
“But at the end of the day, this is not Borussia Dortmund. These are like the words that you expect to hear from a smaller club,” – Roman Weidenfeller.
Weidenfeller added the negative aspect that Borussia Dortmund can never be on top of their game. He noted that on days the team didn’t play well, they tended to lose games. They seldom cash in or figure out how to get points.
“Under the lights in the Champions League, they have to perform. We do not have to win every game. When it is possible to win, we win. When it is not possible to win, we draw. When we have a bad day, we lose. But we never go out on the pitch with this mentality,” – Roman Weidenfeller.
In urkhart’s view, mentality and leadership go a long way in creating the best team chemistry needed to succeed on the pitch. He emphasized that players need to approach games with an attitude and knowledge of what is expected of them.
“It is about mentality, it is character, it is how they work together on the pitch. It is very important to go on the pitch and say, ‘We have to do our job right,’” – Roman Weidenfeller.
Borussia Dortmund is a storied club, known for its incredible atmosphere and passionate support. Weidenfeller pointed out, just look at where they are with respect to Bayern Munich. He remarked that the chasm separating them from their competitors is vast.
“We had some great games in the Champions League but bad games in the Bundesliga. We are 21 points behind Bayern Munich. It is too much, that gap. We are too far away from Bayern,” – Roman Weidenfeller.
He admitted that Niko Kovac has plenty of experience, both as a player and head coach in the Bundesliga. Kovac has the tall task of leading this once proud program back to national relevance.
“Niko has a lot of experience in the Bundesliga as a player and a head coach. But he joins trying to help us take the last step to the Champions League so it is not easy for him,” – Roman Weidenfeller.
The connection Borussia Dortmund has with their fans has never been higher, a fact that makes Weidenfeller proud. The connection between player and fan is at the heart of the game. It fosters a culture of excellence that inspires success in every endeavor on the field and beyond.
“Our fans, they are very close to the team,” – Roman Weidenfeller.
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