When Branimir Hrgota scored the deciding penalty in last night’s DFB Pokal semi-final shootout, Lukas Hradecky was only ever going to run in one direction. Breaking into a sprint, the Frankfurt goalkeeper headed to the corner of the stadium containing the Eintracht fans. Hradecky was voted Man of the Match after a performance which saw him save two spot kicks. The fantastic Finn was the hero of the evening - and not for the first time.
Sprinting gave me cramp and I almost suffered a hamstring injury,” said the 27-year-old after the 7-6 win. “But it was all worth it. I’ll have an ice bath and a beer and everything will be okay again.” Frankfurt have reached the Pokal final for the 7th time and will wait on the result of Bayern versus Dortmund this evening to see who they will face in Berlin on 27 May. Hradecky spoke to us about his tactics in the shoot out, the influence of coach Niko Kovac and the final in Berlin.
Question:Lukas Hradecky, Frankfurt are in the final. How does it feel?
Lukas Hradecky:Where should I start? The win against Augsburg on Saturday was a huge relief for us. We started the game against Gladbach really well and could have scored two or three goals. Then we let our guard down for a split second but we always backed ourselves from the twelve yards. It’s obviously great I was fortunate enough to save two penalties. But our penalty takers were also ice cool. We are so happy to be able to experience a final in Berlin. We have a good team this year and have showed how we can bounce back after almost being relegated last year.
Question:Nico Kovac had a slightly different pre-match team talk before the game, using a screen. What was shown?
Hradecky:It was an atmospheric video about our season so far. I noticed that absolutely everyone was there and then we went and showed that on the pitch.
Question: Could you have also taken a penalty?
Hradecky:Maybe as the last man, yes. My pulse was already up to 200, I do not want to think about that.
When Branimir Hrgota scored the deciding penalty in last night’s DFB Pokal semi-final shootout, Lukas Hradecky was only ever going to run in one direction. Breaking into a sprint, the Frankfurt goalkeeper headed to the corner of the stadium containing the Eintracht fans. Hradecky was voted Man of the Match after a performance which saw him save two spot kicks. The fantastic Finn was the hero of the evening - and not for the first time.
Sprinting gave me cramp and I almost suffered a hamstring injury,” said the 27-year-old after the 7-6 win. “But it was all worth it. I’ll have an ice bath and a beer and everything will be okay again.” Frankfurt have reached the Pokal final for the 7th time and will wait on the result of Bayern versus Dortmund this evening to see who they will face in Berlin on 27 May. Hradecky spoke to us about his tactics in the shoot out, the influence of coach Niko Kovac and the final in Berlin.
Question:Lukas Hradecky, Frankfurt are in the final. How does it feel?
Lukas Hradecky:Where should I start? The win against Augsburg on Saturday was a huge relief for us. We started the game against Gladbach really well and could have scored two or three goals. Then we let our guard down for a split second but we always backed ourselves from the twelve yards. It’s obviously great I was fortunate enough to save two penalties. But our penalty takers were also ice cool. We are so happy to be able to experience a final in Berlin. We have a good team this year and have showed how we can bounce back after almost being relegated last year.
Question:Nico Kovac had a slightly different pre-match team talk before the game, using a screen. What was shown?
Hradecky:It was an atmospheric video about our season so far. I noticed that absolutely everyone was there and then we went and showed that on the pitch.
Question: Could you have also taken a penalty?
Hradecky:Maybe as the last man, yes. My pulse was already up to 200, I do not want to think about that.
Question:Regarding the penalty saves. Did you know where they were going?
Hradecky:You always have to be guessing. We obviously know where some of the players have gone in the past. I always make my decision at the last minute. It did not go so well to start with so I actually had to change it up a bit.
Question:Were any of the players unknown to you?
Hradecky:I had never seen the last three guys take penalties. Then it is all about simply making a decision. How are they running to the ball, where are they looking - I just try to analyse those things.
Question:After you saved your first one, Gladbach’s Yann Sommer responded by doing the same. What was going through your mind then?
Hradecky:I almost expected that a little bit. Sommer made a good save, but that was always going to happen. I just believed in myself to keep the next one out as well. That’s exactly what happened and then Branimir Hrgota was so cool next time up.
Question:The first six Gladbach penalties were struck with such force. How did you react to that?
Hradecky:I just tried to stay cool. I just kept telling myself that the weaker penalties would come eventually. It took a while but I have to credit our penalty takers. It was our third successful shootout and the chances to be involved in a penalties are reducing. But if it goes to penalties in Berlin I will be ready.
Question:That would be against Bayern or Dortmund. Have you guys got a chance?
Hradecky:The opponent will be stronger than the semi-final. But they won’t be at home, it will be a very special occasion. I can imagine just how many fans are going to come up from Frankfurt. I was fortunate enough to be able to win the cup in Denmark. But I have been told the DFB-Pokal final in Berlin is somewhat bigger.
Question:Will you be celebrating now?
Hradecky:I’m definitely going to do that. Tonight will be all about a few beers instead of gluten-free pasta.
