Borussia Dortmund in Times Square: An interview with club legend Roman Weidenfeller

Roman Weidenfeller on Gregor Kobel and Borussia Dortmund’s title push

The conversation of course had to also touch on Gregor Kobel, whom Weidenfeller had previously highlighted as one of Borussia Dortmund’s most important transfers in recent history.

While it is evident that his point has remained very true throughout Kobel’s time in a Borussia Dortmund kit, it was almost imperative to get Weidenfeller’s take on how the Switzerland international has developed, and what he has made of his long-term contract extension:

"“I was in our team [working for the club] when we made the transfer of Gregor Kobel, and I voted for him [to join the club] as well. He is very young and he has had great performances before…he knows the Bundesliga but the future is in his hands and Gregor is the future of Borussia Dortmund. He signed a new contract just now, so it is a great sign for BVB and for Gregor Kobel…it is a great match for both sides.”"

Having won silverware with Borussia Dortmund during their most recent “golden age” that saw two Bundesliga titles and multiple DFB-Pokals become part of the club’s illustrious history, it seemed fitting to ask one of the club’s heroes from this era about what advice he has for the team in terms of how to remain competitive, as well as the things Weidenfeller and his teammates did to stay focused during the heat of their push for silverware. The key, according to Weidenfeller, is simply learning from one’s mistakes in order to improve:

"“Look, the performance last season was great, but they didn’t take the last step in the last game against Mainz. They had a draw, and they finished in second place….but now I think they have learned from this mistake in the last season and I hope they will be a little bit better this season.”"