Hans-Joachim Watzke praises Jürgen Klopp, Lucien Favre; talks about ‘difficult person’ Thomas Tuchel
By Tushar Bahl
Hans-Joachim Watzke has praised Lucien Favre for the work he has done at Borussia Dortmund. He has also had his say on his relationship with ‘difficult person’ Thomas Tuchel.
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke was a guest on the Sandra Maischberger Podcast of the ARD Network (H/T: Ruhr Nachrichten), where he spoke about a number of topics, including his taste in music and movies, the death of his father, his future career plans, his relationships with former Bayern boss Uli Hoeneß and the criticism of Hoffenheim owner Dietmar Hopp.
The 61 year old also spoke about his relationships with former Borussia Dortmund coaches Jürgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, as well as current trainer Lucien Favre.
Watzke said that he has a very special relationship with Jürgen Klopp, who spent seven years as Borussia Dortmund head coach between 2008-2015. He added that the now Liverpool manager made his life much easier.
"“If you work closely with someone for seven years, then you also become friends: This is a very close relationship. With his special way he also made things easier for me. When you have such a congenial partner on board, your life is much more pleasant. He is someone, when he comes into the room, the sun shines immediately.”"
Watzke was also asked about Thomas Tuchel, who spent two years in charge of Borussia Dortmund, before being sacked in 2017. The BVB boss described the current PSG head coach as a ‘difficult person but a fantastic trainer.’
"“Tuchel is an exceptionally good trainer. According to Jürgen Klopp, he was the perfect solution, because he also has incredible skills on the pitch. Sometimes there are things that just don’t work out. But I wouldn’t count Tuchel among my enemies now. Thomas is a difficult person, but a fantastic trainer.”"
Watzke also had words of praise for current Borussia Dortmund head coach Lucien Favre, hailing the work the Swiss tactician has done so far with the Black and Yellows.
"“He is a very nice person, very well educated, very modest. He has great strengths. He is not the most emotional – but every person has his strengths. I think the work he has done for BVB so far is quite impressive.”"
Watzke was less complimentary when asked about his relationship with Uli Hoeneß. The former Bayern boss recently criticised Borussia Dortmund and the club’s transfer strategy. “I have respect for what he has achieved,” Watzke said about Hoeneß. “But when he criticises my club, what does he think he will get from me in return? Praise? I don’t know why he is like that either. It just doesn’t lead me to say, ‘Great guy’.”
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Hans Joachim Watzke’s contract with Borussia Dortmund is due to expire at the end of next season. It is expected that he will leave his post after that, but Watzke said that even if he does leave, he will continue to follow the club. “For me there is no life without the BVB,” Watzke said.