It didn't turn out to be a really exciting draw, but interesting nonetheless. FC-Astoria Walldorf from the southwest Regionalliga are the lowest tier side left in the DFB Cup and will face Bundesliga outfit Darmstadt 98 in the second round.
In an interview with DFB.de, Roland Dickgießer, sporting director at FC-Astoria Walldorf, explains why this match-up is appealing. The former Germany youth team international also outlines how the team responded to the draw and the chances of causing another upset after having prevailed in the first round with a 4-3 win over VfL Bochum.
DFB.de: Mr. Dickgießer, what is your initial reaction to the draw?
Roland Dickgießer: I'm personally happy that we are facing a top-tier side this time. Of course there were some who were hoping to get Borussia Dortmund, Schalke 04 or FC Bayern - one of the really big teams. But for me Darmstadt is a great draw. It's roughly a one-hour drive between the two cities. I expect that Darmstadt will bring a number of their fans with them. Maybe we can even play at our stadium and sell out the stadium. That would be fantastic.
DFB.de: Do you dream of reaching the next round?
Dickgießer: We should stay realistic. The chance is very slim but there obviously is a chance. But let's be honest: How realistic is it? We want to use this opportunity to again present ourselves in a positive way across Germany. We will accomplish this, I'm sure of that. Everything else would be a bonus.
DFB.de: You are the last fourth-division side left in the competition. Does that make you proud?
Dickgießer: Of course, it's a great achievement that makes us proud. We are the lowest tier side remaining the DFB Cup but that certainly doesn't mean that we won't take it seriously. The opposite is the case. We want to enjoy it but at the same time we want to do everything we can to give Darmstadt a hard time. I'm eager to find out what will happen and I wouldn't rule out an upset as we have a good team.
It didn't turn out to be a really exciting draw, but interesting nonetheless. FC-Astoria Walldorf from the southwest Regionalliga are the lowest tier side left in the DFB Cup and will face Bundesliga outfit Darmstadt 98 in the second round.
In an interview with DFB.de, Roland Dickgießer, sporting director at FC-Astoria Walldorf, explains why this match-up is appealing. The former Germany youth team international also outlines how the team responded to the draw and the chances of causing another upset after having prevailed in the first round with a 4-3 win over VfL Bochum.
DFB.de: Mr. Dickgießer, what is your initial reaction to the draw?
Roland Dickgießer: I'm personally happy that we are facing a top-tier side this time. Of course there were some who were hoping to get Borussia Dortmund, Schalke 04 or FC Bayern - one of the really big teams. But for me Darmstadt is a great draw. It's roughly a one-hour drive between the two cities. I expect that Darmstadt will bring a number of their fans with them. Maybe we can even play at our stadium and sell out the stadium. That would be fantastic.
DFB.de: Do you dream of reaching the next round?
Dickgießer: We should stay realistic. The chance is very slim but there obviously is a chance. But let's be honest: How realistic is it? We want to use this opportunity to again present ourselves in a positive way across Germany. We will accomplish this, I'm sure of that. Everything else would be a bonus.
DFB.de: You are the last fourth-division side left in the competition. Does that make you proud?
Dickgießer: Of course, it's a great achievement that makes us proud. We are the lowest tier side remaining the DFB Cup but that certainly doesn't mean that we won't take it seriously. The opposite is the case. We want to enjoy it but at the same time we want to do everything we can to give Darmstadt a hard time. I'm eager to find out what will happen and I wouldn't rule out an upset as we have a good team.
DFB.de: How did you watch the draw?
Dickgießer: On Friday evening we had a league game in the southwest Regionalliga at TSG Hoffenheim's reserve team. We earned a 1-1 draw and afterwards we all went to our club house and watched the draw together. Believe me, the tension was very high when they announced our draw.
DFB.de: What was the atmosphere like when Darmstadt were named as your opponent?
Dickgießer: As I said, we were a little conflicted but at the end our joy was predominant. It will be another great experience for Astoria Walldorf. We are looking forward to it with great excitement. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our preparations can now begin.
DFB.de: Are you worried that the DFB Cup will affect your performances in the league?
Dickgießer: So far the team hasn't given us any reasons to be worried. Obviously one or two players had tired legs in our game with Hoffenheim on Friday. The lads aren't used to playing extra time like we did against Bochum. But even after we conceded the lead they kept pushing forward and in the end earned themselves a deserved point. Everyone here knows that the DFB Cup is a great bonus event for us. Our bread and butter is the league though and that's where we have to deliver week in week out.
