They played together over 30 years ago and are now facing off for the DFB Cup: Jürgen Klopp and Dieter Hecking are looking forward to this year’s final. Victory would be a perfect send off for Klopp, who is leaving BVB this summer, whilst a Wolfsburg triumph would cap off a magical season for Hecking’s men.
DFB.de: Mr. Klopp, are you already prepared for the celebratory bus tour?
Klopp: I’ve certainly not been thinking about that. I don’t like to tempt fate.
DFB.de: Mr. Hecking, there wasn’t a balcony on the town hall in 2009 after Wolfsburg won the title. Has this changed?
Hecking: Nope, it’s still like that. It doesn’t really matter though. We will be celebrating with our supporters the day after the final regardless of the result in Berlin. We’ve already had a great season – Champions League qualification is enough of a reason to party.
DFB.de: Mr. Klopp, a few weeks ago you said you hadn’t thought about your farewell because there was work to be done, is this still the case?
Klopp: Of course. We have another big game to play.
DFB.de: There were emotional scenes after you left Mainz. Do you think it will be the same this time?
They played together over 30 years ago and are now facing off for the DFB Cup: Jürgen Klopp and Dieter Hecking are looking forward to this year’s final. Victory would be a perfect send off for Klopp, who is leaving BVB this summer, whilst a Wolfsburg triumph would cap off a magical season for Hecking’s men.
DFB.de: Mr. Klopp, are you already prepared for the celebratory bus tour?
Klopp: I’ve certainly not been thinking about that. I don’t like to tempt fate.
DFB.de: Mr. Hecking, there wasn’t a balcony on the town hall in 2009 after Wolfsburg won the title. Has this changed?
Hecking: Nope, it’s still like that. It doesn’t really matter though. We will be celebrating with our supporters the day after the final regardless of the result in Berlin. We’ve already had a great season – Champions League qualification is enough of a reason to party.
DFB.de: Mr. Klopp, a few weeks ago you said you hadn’t thought about your farewell because there was work to be done, is this still the case?
Klopp: Of course. We have another big game to play.
DFB.de: There were emotional scenes after you left Mainz. Do you think it will be the same this time?
Klopp: It’s comparable but hopefully I won’t cry as much!
DFB.de: How would you describe your time at Dortmund in one word?
Klopp: Incredible.
DFB.de: And if you had a few more?
Klopp: Fantastic and marvellous.
DFB.de: Mr. Hecking, is it a bit strange that many would see you as party poopers were you to lift the cup?
Hecking: I wouldn’t say that was the case. We’re focussed on beating Borussia Dortmund, not Jürgen Klopp.
DFB.de: Mr. Klopp, you played alongside Dieter Hecking when you were younger. You played more games than he did – is there an old score to settle?
Klopp: I wouldn’t say so. We’ve met a lot of times since then and I have a good record against his sides. We have a good relationship.
DFB.de: How often have your paths crossed?
Klopp: I’ve come across him whilst he’s been in charge at Lübeck, Aachen, Hannover, Nürnberg and Wolfsburg.
Hecking: We got our badges at similar times so have come into direct competition quite often. I’m happy to have seen him lead Dortmund to success after a great spell in Mainz.
DFB.de: You’re about to meet again in Berlin. Dortmund have been in the past four finals. Is a routine developing?
Klopp: I’d like to think so although it’s worth noting that each game is different, however, there are some general features that apply to all of them.
DFB.de: This will be your first major final as a manager, Mr. Hecking. What does it mean for you?
Hecking: Obviously it’s going to be special for me. Reaching the final also shows just how far the club have come in recent years. We’ve overcome a lot this season, especially the tragic death of Junior Malanda. The team deserve the chance to end the season with some silverware.
DFB.de: You were under contract at Borussia Mönchengladbach in 1984 but didn’t feature in the DFB Cup final against FC Bayern. Why is this?
Hecking: We were only allowed to name five players on the bench. I wasn’t chosen so watched the game from the stands.
DFB.de: Can you explain to your colleague what it’s like to be involved in the final, Mr. Klopp?
Klopp: To be honest, I can’t. It’s something you have to experience. Dieter will enjoy it.
DFB.de: What are your thoughts on BVB’s season, Mr. Hecking?
Hecking: It was a season of contrasts for them. It was tough for them before Christmas due to injuries and a lack of rhythm. They were doing well in the Champions League at that point though, we shouldn’t forget that. I was always certain that they would climb up the table quickly once the injured players were back.
DFB.de: And Mr. Klopp, how would you describe Wolfsburg’s campaign?
Klopp: They’ve had a great season and played fantastic football. They have a great team. I wish Dieter and his side all the best for next year’s Champions League.
DFB.de: What was the key moment of the cup campaign so far in your eyes?
Klopp: Beating Bayern on penalties…
Hecking: When we beat Darmstadt on penalties in the first round. Max Grün was fantastic on that occasion and kept us in the competition.
DFB.de: You could say that the side that has prevailed against Bayern are favourites for the title, however, both of you have beaten them this season. Surely this means that the final will be exciting?
Hecking: Two sides who like to attack are in the final, so it should be an open and interesting game of football.
Klopp: I agree. It promises to be an excellent final.
