Summit Meeting - The Sports Talk. Episode 2 with Felix Magath & Alexandra Popp

The Sports Academy Moved is once again a place for special encounters and, I'm already certain, a very lively football discussion. We have one of the most dazzling personalities in women's football from recent years with us. She is a role model, a leader with high social responsibility. With VfL Wolfsburg alone, she has, I believe, won around 20 titles in the Champions League, Bundesliga, and DFB-Pokal. We are very happy that you are with us today. Warm welcome, Alex Popp. Good to have you here. Thank you very much. Our male star guest, who has already been here at our Sportsalm a few times before, likes to come to us. and apparently still feels very, very comfortable in the city where he celebrated great successes. 2009 German Champion, but he also knows the relegation battle with VfL. We'll also talk about that. Warm welcome. Great to have you here at the Summit Hit Talk. Felix Magath, welcome heartily. And on my side, because good journalists are needed, esteemed colleague from the Wolfsburg Allgemeinzeitung, Thomas Gassmann. Welcome, Thomas. Great to have you here. Let's not beat around the bush. You were out and about today, of course, for the WATZ. You also just said in the preliminary conversation that one never really has freedom. What's new regarding the sports director search at VfL Wolfsburg? What's in tomorrow's paper? What happened today in Wolfsburg regarding VfL? Yes, I mean, that's well known. Andreas Schicke has indeed withdrawn from TSG Hoffenheim. This was naturally a major setback for the responsible parties, including Dr. Sebastian Rudolph, chairman of the supervisory board. Of course there are candidates. There's also a shortlist. There are about two or three names on it. They will now be processed, and as we already have a few names listed for tomorrow's edition or even in today's online version. I can only reveal who it won't be. Sven Mislintat won't be it. Jörg Schmadtke won't be either, because neither of them quite fits the profile. It looks a bit like Generation Rolfes, Kehl—something along those lines seems to be favored. You'd fall out yourself, Mr. Magath. Oh, I still have hope. That's a good question. Well, clearly, Felix, it's no secret that you're still very popular here. People are happy when you come, but why on earth not? Or, put differently, are you fundamentally still in a state where you would say, I would like to help? Or if I'm asked, am I also willing to provide support? Alright, then the question must be answered in a somewhat broader manner. That's just how it is—I've been saying for years that I still want to work, that I still believe in my ability to work. And in that regard, you will hear nothing else from me this evening, because I have learned during my time as a football player and subsequently as a football coach or manager, I've learned that most people stay within their own limits because they limit themselves, especially football players. I don't want to make this mistake myself, so I trust myself to carry on. That's why I'm still in the market. Very nice. We're glad to hear that. How do you generally perceive the development? Even now, a bit of the approach you've just read and heard about regarding the search for the sports director. Is this a normal procedure, or do you also find it partially unusual? General or specific? Specifically regarding the case involving Schick and Hoffenheim. As I said, I'm still following football, but when it comes to everything surrounding it, I'm no longer the one who reads everything to stay informed everywhere. Because I believe that much of sport has gone astray, and that now far more emphasis is placed on money and other matters. I'd rather leave that to someone else. I just have a quick question. The Wolfsburg team is looking for that new generation as well. Then you always get the impression that they're just young, dynamic people, but can they really do it any better than, let's say, your generation? Of course not. I can truly only wonder, because in Germany there are few German coaches. The Bundesliga was once on equal footing with the English or Italian leagues. I think, slowly, there's no longer talk of us being on equal footing; it's become somewhat thinner. Then there are statements from the former DFB sports director saying national team players are missing, that we no longer have any strikers, or whatever else. I don't know why then the DFB has not trained any more strikers. The DFB decides everything, and it wouldn't have been a problem to train strikers or central defenders, but I keep hearing only that they're missing. We no longer have such players. I must ask myself how that works. And the same ultimately applies to coaches. VfL Wolfsburg has never had the first Austrian player either. In that regard, we have trainers from other countries, always located around Germany, either Denmark or the Netherlands or Belgium. France is never an option, but then Switzerland and Austria are again. Germans then just have a hard time with it, and I wonder why Germany hasn't trained any football coaches? Or few, or almost none, or I don't know what they did. Although there are indeed good ones. Yes, where? Well then. I mean, for example, Jürgen Klopp is a good coach. He was there, he was there, he's just too old now. And they probably also went abroad for some reason. Yes, both of them, yes. Something must be going wrong there. Yes. Let's briefly go back to the topic of sports directors. And there are also good German sports directors there. One example is the sports director of VfL Wolfsburg, in this case, the women's team. I recently had a conversation with someone who's also been in the industry for a very long time, and he said, from an outside perspective, Why doesn't VfL Wolfsburg actually deal with Ralf Kellermann? Ralf Kellermann can win titles; Ralf Kellermann continually manages to build new teams. to initiate a turning point once again during a very, very challenging phase now. Is that a completely far-fetched idea? He knows the location, he knows the club. Marvelous. We are truly glad that we have him. I know. If we look at our history, but I believe this is a legitimate question, I think I can place the man in the room. Of course, I don't know the internal details either, and it's possible that a question was also directed to Ralf. I naturally don't know that, but I believe it is definitely legitimate in principle. But why it might not be asked, I think one must ask the authorities, not me. Ralf Kellermann was also once a scout at VfL Wolfsburg. He was already very successful in her time. When you came back in 2012, I think you became Champions League winners in 2013. You must have gotten to know him quite well back then. How did you experience that, and how do you view such a thought—of turning back to someone? who has been incredibly successful in that field for years? I met him back in 2007, no, that's 2012. In 2007 he was actually a scout at VfL Wolfsburg, and then I released him. and then appointed him as the responsible person for the women's team of VfL Wolfsburg. In that regard, I know the situation very well. Could he do that? I'm glad he's still here. But exactly, could he do that? Would he have the abilities for it then? Or is the idea simply too unusual? Is he now too far gone in women's football to return to men's football? I cannot answer that. How he has committed himself to something. I have always fully and completely committed myself to my task. I never would have thought I could manage the women on the side. That's why I didn't waste a single thought on it. I focus on my task and have no eye for anything else. Don't you find it unusual that the supervisory board is looking for a sports director? That's usually the manager's responsibility. I then don't worry about it either. It's a bit more chaotic, after all. Everything is decided by consensus, after all. Everyone is asked, and everyone is allowed to speak up. And in the end, there is then no decision. Or if there is a decision, no one knows who is responsible for it. And in the end, it always comes down to just us. That's what we did. But who is "we"? I don't know who we are. Who decided here at VfL last year or the year before last? I don't know who was there. But as I said, that was no different for Bayern either. That's just the spirit of the times. Well then, we're looking forward to it. And a few years ago, whenever someone was to blame, it was always Magath's fault. That was clear and simple, and then it expired. They all had jobs, after all. Yes, that's correct. That's just part of the job risk. But briefly, you were managing director at VfL Wolfsburg. What would have happened if the supervisory board had said Also, Mr. Magath, you can't decide who the sports director is right now. We'll do it. I think we would have had a problem there. We are incredibly excited. We wanted to address the issue of relevance right at the beginning. Therefore, perhaps for now, regarding this topic complex, which will still accompany us a little longer. Thomas, what's your impression? What feeling are you referring to, or which time horizon are we talking about? Because the transfer window is drawing ever closer, and the winter break feels imminent as well. where one certainly also has to make decisions. That means, what are you assuming when you discuss with your colleagues? When should VfL Wolfsburg actually have a solution ready at the latest? Also no later than yesterday, because Herr Magath knows it best. Transfers in the winter break—I think you already steal them in October or September. At least the groundwork is being done. Now it's actually already the end of November, which is actually already too late. And therefore time is pressing, and based on the information we somewhat have, also in the coming days, hopefully this week The personnel allocation will then presumably be decided. Probably. Well then. One does not know. It remains exciting, and we'll see. Perhaps there will be new developments during the course of our brief recording, Then you will hopefully tell her about it in this round. We're among ourselves. No camera, no microphone, just the two of us. What actually connects you, Alex Popp and Felix Magath? I mean, there must have been a meeting there some years ago already. Sports school or comprehensive school Bergerfeld, wasn't it like that? Not a direct encounter, no. But you know the comprehensive school, and of course you know it very well too. Because as a player there, I believe you've had a very, very important and valuable time. even as the first actual female player. Is that so? Yes, indeed, that's true. Also with me, it was a bit about me having started the transition, joined the Bundesliga with FCR Duisburg, then FCR Duisburg. And I just knew clearly, okay, I'm coming from the Verbandsliga, I somehow need to do something so that I can quickly make it to the Bundesliga. And through my then-consultant, the contact came about a little bit. to the comprehensive school Bergerfeld, because I had also completed the secondary school (Realschule) at my own school then And I actually would have liked to take the high school leaving exam. And then he came up with the idea to combine them. Then stop in Gelsenkirchen. Also, I've already driven quite a distance all the way to Gelsenkirchen. Then I could train together with the guys. during school years, too, although this was somewhat the case at the beginning has turned out to be extremely, extremely difficult. Also, that is at least what I was told. I mean, I haven't had any conversations, otherwise I was far too young. I was completely overwhelmed by the whole thing. That Herr Magath didn't want me to do it at first, Because I'm a girl and shouldn't train with the boys. But I don't know who it was in the end, Either Mr. Magath was persuaded, or someone else— I don't know. But it has definitely brought me a great deal, a great deal indeed. And I still have contact with the guys from time to time. Are there a few names that are still on our minds today, perhaps? My best contact is Andreas Wiegel. He has actually never played in the first Bundesliga. He also made his debut for Schalke in the Europa League. But he never quite managed to achieve a real breakthrough, unfortunately. But I have also trained with players such as Max Meier, for example. Joel Matip too, those are also familiar to me. You have to explain it to me very briefly, this comprehensive school, Berger Feld—what on earth is that? Mach's, please. I've never been there before. It's one of those DFB Elite Schools; they have a cooperation with Schalke 04. You can correct me. Players like Manuel Neuer, Özil come here. Who else do we have here? Draxler Julian must have been there too. But just one more time for proper contextualization. I didn't want that. I don't know what you're talking about at all. I was at Schalke just like I was at VfL. not only a coach, but I was also the sports director And the board of directors was called that there with them. So I've had a bit to do, because FC Schalke 04 had not been quite as weak as VfL. when I went there. The VfL was already a relegation candidate when I arrived in 2007. Also, this is one of those before pictures. FC Schalke was at least in the middle of the table. Ninth, I thought I believed it, but I was practically broke anyway. That was not the case here in Wolfsburg. In that respect, I had other problems there, rather than dealing with that. Whether a girl trains with the boys or not now. That's the first thing I'm hearing right now. That's why I'm saying it was only told to me, after all. Of course, but it's good that we've clarified this now. I was about 16, or even 15. But you shouldn't have prevented it either, now should you? We all know it was good that she kicked in. I actually belong to those who always say If someone wants to improve, they must train with better people. In that respect, I would never know what I could possibly have against it. I would recommend to every young girl, if she is able to train with other boys I would always recommend that she does it. Because I believe that will make her better. She did well, didn't she? Absolutely, yes. I was actually only at school for two years. I was ultimately advised to do so anyway, that I probably won't manage to pass the exam and should leave school. Okay. At least it was sufficient for the vocational high school leaving exam. But it felt really good for me. I arrived in the Bundesliga very quickly, also in Duisburg back then. Duisburg itself was full of top players. Inka Gring, Linda Bresonik, Annike Kran Accordingly, it did me very, very well. The course of your career absolutely supports your point. That is why this issue is of great concern to us. Relative to the beginning. Because just a few weeks ago it was relatively loudly demanded here by Rainer Kallmuth, which we found relatively exciting. Janina was here, Janina Menge. And he said that, from his point of view, there must be a summit. so he called it, between DFB... A task force. A task force, Alex Popp, consisting of DFB and VfL Wolfsburg to please think about it properly about your future in German football. He has clearly demanded it. And thus we have already arrived at the point, where one wonders, Was the task force already established? Probably not. It takes a bit longer with the DFB. It takes a bit longer with the DFB. And secondly, now, so to speak, just before Christmas 2025, Where are you in your thoughts when it comes to your future? Are you already thinking about it? I would have guessed yes, though. And is it really far-fetched to say, They can ponder it if they like. And then they'll just bring me to the DFB in Frankfurt. or VfL Wolfsburg has an idea in Wolfsburg. What are your thoughts on your future topics? Actually, fundamentally everything is still open. Of course, I am dealing with this topic, but that's not so easy, I must say. Because I've always had phases, from time to time, That's what I think, no, I won't put myself through that again. Nor my body anymore. Then again, there are also phases, where it's just easy, it's just fun, really fun, great fun when then of course, just like the victories in Cologne or in Sachsenheim, just at the last minute, These things and the team, you notice, Something kind of comes together again somehow, Something arises again. That will naturally be fun again too and then gives you another proper push. That's why everything is really extremely open. In which direction too, VfL, DFB, anything else. Of course, some conversations are already underway, That's not how it is. Both with the VfL and also, I have already spoken with the DFB before. but everything so far completely vague and non-binding. But just knowing that I have options, if I decide to end my career. But I actually don't know it right now either. That's not so easy at all. We already know about my national team career, of course, It's also a matter of feeling for me. I just have to feel it. Is it over now or isn't it over? At the moment, this is not the case yet. But let's see what else happens. It's a complicated matter with VfL, I can only say as someone somewhat older, Play as long as you can. But that is subjective, Each person must decide this for themselves. But as long as the body still cooperates, There is nothing more beautiful. Says the managing director, sports director, coach and UEFA European Champion footballer Felix Magath. Naturally, we would all be greatly delighted, I'm speaking for a few of them, clearly identifiable as VfL fans if you stay here as long as possible. But fundamentally, the question, Would you go in for one more investigative dig? The question isn't whether or when she ends her career, either. but also what you do afterward. Are there any plans for after that? Stay in Wolfsburg and become a Volkswagen ambassador, Perhaps you will become ambassador for women's football in Germany. Those are indeed thoughts one could have. And I believe that's exactly what Rainer Kallmuth meant too. Someone like her must somehow be preserved in football. It could also be that you say, Oh no, I really don't feel like it at all. I'm going to a lonely island and enjoying a few years. Also, I think one must honestly say, I'd be pretty dumb if I were to leave football. One must, I believe, say that quite clearly. In which direction? Really, completely open. I could imagine something along the lines of an ambassador. Anyway, whether it's a club or the DFB, or anything else. I can also imagine TV expertise. It's also a topic like that, which I've already received many inquiries about. Partly already for the men's tournaments. But at the moment, I also have a very clear opinion on that. As long as I actively play football, wouldn't I be butting in there? because then I'd actually be on the field the following week and play the biggest gruel ever and make myself beautifully vulnerable. That doesn't have to be the case. Therefore, yes, it is truly open. But I will definitely stay loyal to football. In what function, where, at which location. I absolutely cannot say. What would you generally advise the authorities? the offers that might have been submitted? Isn't she actually for VfL Wolfsburg? the best ambassador the association could wish for? Of course. That one even has to talk about it at all. Just because she happens to be there. Then we'll briefly discuss it. That's a good idea. I have only the very best impression and I have the feeling that she's still clear-minded and still sees things quite correctly. Therefore, one must consider it. She is still young enough; she still has time. She could still play for another year. and can look at it again in a few months. Maybe I'll get a job again next year. Then we can talk about it again. I'd just like to ask briefly, though. Is there a concrete offer from VfL Wolfsburg? Yes, there is. To renew the contract as a player or to extend the contract as a player including a career after the career? Basically, first and foremost as a player. Okay, good. That sounds good. That gives hope. Looking at you too, who invest so much To the most loyal of the loyal fans. We'd be happy to hear that first. But otherwise, we don't want to exert any pressure. Mr. Mager, I can only say, A really great team is forming right now. A few weeks ago we had a conversation with Janina Mingel had such a wonderful guest here. They're playing even against Real Madrid, and that's in two weeks. That was a scheduling ten years ago. In the quarter-finals of the men's Champions League. You can experience this live here right now and perhaps a large team. And the upheaval, one can already say, It also seems to be working out again, really. I think he gets going incredibly well. There are still setbacks. I think that goes with it. But how would you generally do it now So describe the state of the team a bit? Also, first of all, the mood is extremely good, one must say. And I believe one can also see from game to game, that sometimes the cogs just mesh better. You said it yourself, It's still like that from time to time. that we would then take a few steps back again, Sometimes things that cannot be explained must simply be stated as they are. And sometimes I myself am standing on the field and think to myself, Why not always like that? But that is also, to a certain extent, football. And we also have a relatively young team right now. Sveni is actually the only one left there. I believe Tuffi and I, to actually lift the cut high. Otherwise, we are quite young, after all. And of course they also just need time. We have an unbelievable number of female players, They have never played in the Champions League in their entire lives. They have never played so many consecutive English weeks before. They'll have to get used to that first, too. The body must cope with it. The head also has to get used to it first. And accordingly, you also notice from time to time, that it doesn't work out once in a while. But what always amuses me so is Well, actually, we were already before the season, because this major upheaval was simply unavoidable and we players have committed ourselves by name, the person one might not have known at first, we were actually completely written off. And if I now look at where we currently stand, Yes, we have six points behind Munich. I am fully aware of that. But if I now look at the Champions League table like this, Then I'm more than satisfied with how we're currently approaching the season. But one must of course also remain a little calm and composed, Because we've only just reached the midpoint of the season. And of course, a lot can still happen in the second half of the season. But fundamentally, given how everything has developed I am more than satisfied. Very, very proud that it has developed this way. And the girls just go on to do an excellent, excellent job. Keep it up. Yes, absolutely. And you do have a German coach, after all. With a German trainer. And there, a German sports director. Exactly. Today afternoon we realized, We briefly met for coffee a little while ago. Thomas and I, that both careers have been very successful. Of course, there are always setbacks too. But there are differences, you are completely different characters. We have somewhat been of the opinion that that you are actually someone, Poppi, the... And what about Poppi and Alex and so on? Is it okay? Who recently called you Alexandra? That is my grandmother and my brother. Your grandmother and your brother. Probably if you've done something mischievous or something like that. Alexander, right? But almost never. Alex Popp's career has definitely been a success. You said she's a bit like Rudi Völler of women's football. Okay, I don't know if this is now... Yes, I just wanted to say that Wherever she appears now, she will be celebrated. Of course you celebrated great successes, clearly, precisely for that reason as well. But probably also because of your personality, because you are so open, because you are so heartfelt. And with Rudi, it's pretty much the same. I think he was somehow, I don't even know, eliminated in the group stage once. resigned as national team coach. Afterward, they celebrated at the wedding arch. Also, everyone loves Rudi. And everyone loves Alex Popp. And with Felix Magath... I can't join in on that. Now we come, indeed, to the crucial point. We have also noticed that, Mr. Magath. With you, it's always like this, that today you have the feeling that I don't want to say that many perhaps still have respect, but even sometimes perhaps afraid of you and always say, Yeah, Felix Magath and those kinds of guys—they're real tough nuts. Yet despite that, both models somehow worked on their own. Yes. That's just what's great about football. After all, there isn't just one way. That's right. Basically, everything works. Yes. As I said, there is no truth. It is wrong to believe that things can only be one way or only the other way. As I said, there's everything. Everything is possible. Yes. But don't you sometimes think, wow, I'd also love to be loved, just like Rudi Völler? Moment. He is truly married. What can be said? He lives in a happy relationship and has six children. He also has family, and he might possibly be loved by them. Well, and if you hear the applause here now, Then one cannot speak of no level either. Exactly. Yes. Yes, pretty good. I would have already replied something like football fans, real football fans, Actually, I've only received positive feedback there. Good, there are a few crazies, as always and everywhere. but now, when I meet people on the street, They have already registered that I, no matter how, even when everyone always cries and complains about how hard it was For example, in Wolfsburg, because Wolfsburg is actually supposed to be like that, Every year German champion—so you just have to do something different somehow. to achieve success Apparently no one comes up with the idea, because everyone is doing the same thing now. In essence, all teams play from the Third League up to the Bundesliga. in the Champions League They play the same way everywhere. Then I wonder how anyone could possibly move forward. also if he has ambitions. I've always said I want to win titles. And in that respect, I've also worked somewhat differently. I have never taken into account whether the games liked me at that moment. Whether those who loved me mattered to me or not was indifferent to me. For me, it was a job, and for me, it was solely about performance. And I can only wonder in which direction we have been heading in recent years so gone were. It's no longer about performance; it's now solely about Who loves whom, who is likable, whom do we like. But that when we all like each other then, in essence, we're all at the bottom anyway. We have never noticed that before. In these times, which are unfortunately once again difficult for VfL Wolfsburg as well When we think of men who are challenging, we also think deeply about your challenging time. That was basically what we're always talking about—the championship years, But we also need to talk about the relegation battle. And I believe the team was even at the 34th matchday of the 12-13 season for a few minutes in the second league. So when they were here the second time, they had then A completely different task. You have experienced a relegation battle here, and possibly the VfL Wolfsburg is facing a similar situation. something similar to what we do not hope for But what cannot be entirely dismissed perhaps. And yet, many say that during this second period, they were different. They had to do things differently. They found something entirely different. The championship, the team, they could build it calmly. And I believe that in 2012 and 2013, the squad sometimes had nearly 40 players. And let's delve a little deeper into your thoughts once again at this time, as you have experienced it. Because that was an entirely different precondition. As I said, once again, I'm just repeating it like that. Many still had the impression that you were different in other ways as well. as you have returned. In another challenge, perhaps also due to pressure conditions. How was it back then for you, fighting relegation with VfL Wolfsburg? Besides, there's even more to say about it now. We have time. The first phase, when I arrived in 2007, was indeed like that, that the VfL, the then chairman of the board, Prof. Winterkorn, He called me at the beginning of June. I was on vacation in Puerto Rico. You've always visited your brother during summer, haven't you? Not quite my brother; it was more my father. Sorry, yes, the father. It was one of those Puerto Rican families. Exactly, the father, right. That was already early June, since the season always ends in mid to late May. It was not immediately after the season, but rather a few days had already passed. And VfL had already sold a few players. I assume he sold the worst ones back then, not the best ones. And in that respect, I therefore only had half a team. I had to, in order to fill the squad at all, I had to gather 13 or 14 players to assemble a professional squad. And in that respect, I had the favorable situation that I could simply choose. because after all I was a trainer, manager, and board member. I never had to check with anyone else every single time. I didn't always have to go to the committees to get permission. And that is why I could relatively freely decide which games to get. And apparently it hadn't been all that bad. That's why I just put together a team there. But colleague Gassmann wasn't there yet. There were others at the Wolfsburg General Newspaper. They then at the end, in 2007, 2008, during the season, At the end of the group stage, that was the last game against Dortmund at home, have you written that if VfL loses today, Then he played the worst round ever. We won a silly trip. In that respect, this was never the worst group stage. I just want to say, it was a completely new team. Hardly anyone understood that at the time. that if I bring in half of the players anew, and a few players remain from the old map, that it will take some time until it grows. And so it was exactly the same a year later as well. During the season, we were almost the worst in the group stage, the ones we had ever played. But at the end of the season, we had finished fifth, UEFA Cup. That was the only time we finished fifth. after the last game in Dortmund. And thus it just evolved that way, and it could develop. And a year later, we had also finished ninth in the preliminary round. Everything's crumbled again already, huh? And everyone was dissatisfied. Unfortunately, we just kept rising game by game, And in the end, we actually still won the championship. And therefore, there had always been such a development there as well. So, now 2011. Then came 2011. Schalke had dismissed me on Saturday. And then on Monday, Professor Winterkorn called me again, Then I met him and Gazir Sanz back then. I was then obliged to do it again. And then I was here for the first training session on Thursday, And on Saturday, we then played in Stuttgart. The situation was different in that respect, that the VfL, although they didn't play quite as well in the first round, He still has his best defender, Barzali, though. and transferred his best striker, Džeko, during the winter break, also sold, has taken in money. For that, the responsible person at the time then, I believe eight games are committed. One was from Colombia, one was from South Korea, One was from Ghana, one was from Denmark, or wherever he came from. One was from Turkey, one was from Germany. Thus, during the winter break, there were eight player signings. who didn't even partly know what the Bundesliga is. And in that respect, we have, As I said, I then started playing against Stuttgart on Saturday. We had led 1-0 and actually had chances to lead 3-4-0. But then they got 1-1 shortly before the end. And then I became the chairman of the supervisory board, That was my contact person, after all. and then I said, Mr. Casillas-Sanz, Also with Diego, I'm sorry, but that's not possible. Uh, Mr. Magath, did he say. Please, Mr. Magath, please, do us a favor and try it. That was indeed the most expensive player. the most expensive player the VfL had ever signed from Juventus Turin. And then I said, okay, if you want, I'll try it. And then I just kept trying and trying and trying, but only until the last matchday. Then I took him out of the team And then he packed his things and before the game, he then said goodbye and left. Yet still, we ended up winning the last game in Hoffenheim. And we managed to secure our class status back then. It was also a very difficult phase. It was a very difficult situation. and then I made the mistake, I then made the mistake, because, as you said, I would have been different. Yes, of course I was different; I was a delusional maniac. because I would have almost become champion with Schalke. When I switched, I was struck by delusions of grandeur. And then I just conducted experiments. Then I got a player who sailed into the Baltic Sea, because everyone said, what do you want with that? I thought that if I manage to get him, then VfL would have a very good player. Also, I never managed to get him, so it was a mistake. Then I had Alexander Leip, who was at FC Barcelona back then. who has had a cruciate ligament tear. It was unclear whether it would happen or not. I also obliged him then. The VfL didn't cost a thing, nobody knew about it anyway. He continued to be paid by Barcelona. But he also failed to do it. Also, that of course caused too much unrest. The team wasn't solid to begin with anyway. and the attempts on my part to still resolve special situations War wrong at that moment. I then failed to get the team together. In the first season it was still manageable, At that time, Diego was still on loan at Atlético Madrid. But they gave him back again, because they couldn't do anything with him either. Also, that was the problem, after all, We were almost in the UEFA Cup by the last matchday. We didn't quite manage it. And then Diego came back, and then I made the mistake, that I happened to have four or five Brazilians here. And that was ultimately my death. That never worked then. The team played poorly. And therefore, a replacement was actually only logical and consistent. And yet one must still say, two years later, the DFB Cup victory, I think there were seven players in the starting eleven. who were already part of the club at your place as well. Also not De Bruyne, not Perisic yet, but that was also already, substance-wise, I would say, That wasn't all that wrong, though. Of course, it wasn't wrong. I haven't become that blind, only because I became delusional about my own importance. I still had a bit of an idea then and have already secured some good games as well, but it just didn't work out. That's why I didn't merge it. There are other errors, I don't want to talk about games right now. Do you think They had just said, You made the mistake, that you had five Brazilians in the squad, for example, Also quite a lot. That's bad for a team, isn't it? Yes, that is too large a group. Now that we have a squad with, I don't know, 24 games and then you have five, Let's say, for example, It has virtually nothing to do with it. Perhaps them. That is completely independent. But I found that an interesting statement, I must say. Absolutely. I can also project it onto us now, said awkwardly. Last year we also had a very, very large number of Dutch women as examples. And last year, phew. It doesn't matter. What I don't want right now is not just wants to project onto the Dutchwomen. I mean, the entire team must function properly in the end. But I find that an interesting statement. just keep thinking further. That cost me the job here. And that was also my mistake. because I could also have determined that. I determined it that way, and that was wrong. Also, I then had this analysis moved after my departure from here. I wouldn't do that anymore. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone either. It can't possibly go well if the five of them... That's up to each one individually. But it's just a large group. And if they do, for whatever reason whatsoever No, not like that. Then they have a problem. Then, fundamentally, the entire team no longer works. The team has six Danes. and the managing director is also Danish. Well. But we have indeed established, There is the way and the way. Yes, yes. One must now, just because this statement exists, Of course, it doesn't mean now that that it is carved in stone. But despite that, I found it somewhat interesting as an experience, I must say, hearing that must be quite something. It could go well. I'm just saying, I wouldn't do it for myself anymore. Okay. It's now always somewhat talked about. Can the team, can VfL Wolfsburg, survive the relegation battle? Is it the case that one can have a team either compiles for the European business or I assemble a team, from which I know, it should be at the end Come in somewhere between 11th and 15th place. How do you observe, You watch a lot on weekends, don't you? You also see the VfL, you watch the games. How do you assess that? Asked differently, is the club really in a threatening situation With the men's team at the moment? Yes, people always say yes, and that is also almost actually the case every time, Someone is always getting off. He who believes cannot descend. Also, from that standpoint, I would say, Danger is overdue. I wouldn't take that from the shoulder. because VfL, I believe, started the season with different ambitions. And as I said, the games, of course, too. And if I've picked up some games, to, let's say, have the claim to They play, want international, I don't want to talk about the Champions League. Play Euroleague or something like that, Then they naturally have different ideas. And if that doesn't work then, then, as I said, Losing, yes, the players. It's just like that, that the players lose trust. Then you lose trust in yourself. then to the trainer, or vice versa, or only in the trainer, then in itself, And then it will just be difficult. What about, let's say, so rarely considered, that a player is, also she too, 100 percent, A player has a very wide performance range. Also your worst game and your best game, There are worlds in between. And this is true for every player. Insofar as there are situations, Let's take it the other way around now, Away from VfL, Mittelstädt, I still had that four years ago, or three years ago, at Hertha BSC Berlin, He has played no role in my life. But he could not do so either, He was completely unsettled, He didn't have any trust. And then he became a national team player. But those were different games in Stuttgart. He fitted in differently there. He had a different way of connecting with the team. And then he grew. But as I said, The difference is indeed so. From substitute player to national team player. And that basically applies to every player. That is why one must be careful, when one says, Oh yes, we actually have better games. That may be so, but a better player, as I said, must also deliver better performance. Absolutely. We also often notice this. that players who leave VfL Wolfsburg under certain circumstances work suddenly in other clubs as well. Whether it's Kaminski in Cologne now, also evidently, if it falls over, if it doesn't fit, If I don't feel well, Then I cannot access my potential performance. No, that would then be difficult. Jakub Kamiński, for example, The people from Cologne say, the best procedure in recent years. Absolutely. They are absolutely thrilled. The Cologne people. You, because you still live in Cologne. Are you a Cologne fan? The man would have almost become a professional footballer. That was kicked quite decently too. Rainer Kaimund visited you at the hospital, I have learned it and wanted to offer you a professional contract. I was at his former club, after all. Yes, at FC Schalke 04. Alex, Maybe a little bit now also to you, also fundamentally the situation, if they are in the men's team, and you know it too, not optimal relegation years, That already existed too, Also, one inevitably finds oneself in such a predicament from time to time. How is that caught, received, at your place, Or is that also a topic? After all, it's usually the case then that that you will be in charge of the good news again that of course you are also to some extent represents the club and wins games, which is not the case with men right now. Deal with that, because you say, Do we do our own homework every day? Also clear, fundamentally we have our own homework, I think that's clear, of course, Also, there are always players, even among the home team players in the stadium, and of course one keeps an eye on it, And there he is, One naturally thinks so, of course. Okay. if it goes toward relegation, then that is what one wants, I don't think we want to either, I believe. also we hope, that it will have no effect on us then but in the end, you don't know it either, Also we do not know it, It is indeed constantly said that but in the end, you're a bit to blame even before the dark wall and don't know what suddenly comes and there it is hard, Then we feverishly anticipate, all the time, Wishing them all the best, really. and we ourselves also know, I mean, each of us, when we watch a football match, We know that they can kick. and that is then such a pity, when you simply notice, They just can't get it onto the field. and for completely different reasons, Nobody knows that, of course. Maybe everyone somehow carrying his own little parcels as well, where he can no longer cope right now, The one receives less trust from the coach. as the other, What do I know? Also, there are so many factors involved, which also play a part, simply not being good but I just hope, that they are already managing this turnaround because I already believe, That is no team, who are actually playing for relegation, I believe we are all in agreement on that. but that must simply be Into their heads, among all participants, Of course, the guys because these are the main players, the ones standing on the field, I believe that's also true for most people. but let's just hope, that this turnaround is coming, but how does one get the farewell battle into the mind of a footballer? How does one accomplish that? I've never been there, I have no idea. By showing them the table, The table doesn't lie, after all. and just as the table position is, So how did this team play? and if now in August half of the team was replaced, then we have it like this mostly played the games, that are also still there in December. Perhaps also adds to the difficulty, I mean, The coach will be dismissed after ten matchdays. A week later, the sports director is dismissed, Does the team notice something like that? Does that involve a team? Yes, so the team It depends on that, after all. insofar as they already get it whether this now hits deep I don't know that. also depending on how popular such a coach or manager is. But the reaction It's actually always just short-term, no matter where they look A trainer is being dismissed. then perhaps the first three weeks with the new man, Does it work all of a sudden, because the games are more obliged to do so, but after that, fundamentally then again that old face appears and in that regard, One must always look at the individual case. One can never generalize this. Okay, good. I would say, while taking the opportunity right away, also for our guests, perhaps still a question or two to direct at you, we had discussed this afternoon, to introduce a small section Five questions in 90 seconds. My colleague Gassmann was of the opinion, It would be nice to ask a few questions once in a while, nothing that has anything to do with football. Was? Go into the notebook there. I printed it out specially for you once again. Gender, yes or no? No. I have to concentrate very hard, when it becomes fully official that I do it, but usually I do not. No. Germany will be in the USA World champion this coming summer. Yes or no? No. I don't think either. Sorry, even no? No way. But that leads to convictions. Very good, if I have seen the European Championship and see, that a player like Toni Kroos stops then I had already wondered, How could one then come up with the idea of to say One will become world champion. I have never seen this talent before. As said, one has the abilities, to replace Toni Kroos, Two years later. Why do you think, that it won't work? I believe, There's just one thing missing especially Constance in the quality of the team, oh, really all the way to the very, very top at the world's peak to add again above all Okay, maybe a bit too early as well, simply next summer. But for the World Championship title It will probably not yet enough. But maybe it will still be a great World Cup. Here at our B-Move, anyway. Largest public viewing, I think throughout Lower Saxony. We will enjoy beautiful evenings here. 6:00 PM, 9:00 PM game likely with the Germans from home. Bad look, see how far they get. A woman as national team coach for men, Yes or no? Possible or not? Also I believe, That is the question, also worldwide. Basically yes, It must also be there The performance is simply correct. I am also a supporter of performance. Therefore, when it hits and matches, Then yes, why not? Yes, we have asked ourselves the question honestly made up, because above all we are awaiting your response were very eager. My answer is yes, simple, no. That would be an experiment. To replace the national team coach and now taking a woman We haven't had anything like this before. But it is perspective-wise, whether that would ever somehow be the case at all An alternative would be. Of course, Could it be an alternative? We had just said earlier, There's nothing that doesn't exist in football. That's also why, Of course it can work. You're welcome. Ingolstadt the daughter over there, She has a trainer, after all. And therefore, That actually worked. Therefore, It is never to be ruled out. But now a football World Cup of the men, it's coming up next year soon. No, I wouldn't say that right now either. No, not that either. But in perspective, if anything strange happens in that direction. Or if you make a trainer screen. Yes. Is the coaching job a topic in principle? Or can't you even imagine it at all? Also I have the B-Plus license, I already have it. Moreover, theoretically speaking, it could already now at our academy The guys are training. But I don't really see myself in that role. Management Succession of Mr. Kellermann. That's a good idea. Yes, that's just how it is with men Exactly the same with Marcel Schäfer. He's also a bit like that then have been learned Then he became managing director. Such a possibility was indeed there. And if someone asks me now, then I would have to do every one, also if I directly quasi skip this job Every weekend I would be on the move again and actually I'm only on the move then, just as I am now, actually. And I would really quite like it, honestly. I'd also like to be a little bit to be self-determined and doing things, where I also just feel like doing it right now. And if it is, Yeah, I don't know. to any parties, celebrations, family gatherings, Birthdays or anything else is, Also, of course, it's a bit like that then the other side of the medal about the privileges one has in all things as an active player But I'd also like to do it sometimes a hint of private life such as that. That's right. Whether that is ultimately the right thing to do, then one will see. Perhaps I'll say after three months, No, I must be on the move again. Then it is so. At least I tried then. and noticed, this is not the right one. But I'd like to just do it once decide for oneself What I do on a weekend like that or during the week do besides regular work. I'd really like to ask a question about that. You're 72 now? Correct? You naturally look much younger. Also, I forgot it. Also, I think so, You're also doing quite well economically. You have a great career behind you or perhaps even earlier than that. But what drives you? Is it the love of football? Is there any way at all maybe also a bit of addiction Or can't you do without football? You could also say, It's a world tour now. Alright then, for I have spent my whole life No, nothing else done. When I was able to leave, I kicked the ball And now I'm still watching football. And therefore, That was my life or it is my life and, foolishly, I still believe it too, I know my way around football. and can assess things and therefore Nothing else would come to mind either. in the sense of But it's also normal. I already stopped at 33, you know. because I was tired somewhere And she will just be a bit tired now, too. from kicking, but she will also then simply state that So bad was that after all not. And I am sure, that she then goes back to football again. I would also advise her. because if someone has gathered so much experience, in so many areas, all the time, basically Germany's peak was, The international summit was, so much expertise One shouldn't actually lose. That's insane, what's going on here with us, basically that one just has experiences Basically just throw it away. I have no understanding whatsoever for that. Yes, absolutely. And insofar as I would say, At this point, we would like to express our gratitude. and we are very pleased, that you, dear Felix Magath, have felt a bit worn down have also clarified a few things once again, which are already a few years old. We know and we take with us that you wish to remain connected to football and would certainly be capable of when you are called upon to help wherever it may be whether here in Wolfsburg, where we always gladly welcome you. Alex, it's surely safe with you, that at some point there will be a decision. We've got something now, just a little bit here and there trying to listen out There we agree. We absolutely want to, that VfL Wolfsburg Back to being sporty, a little better now and that this week, I'm really looking forward to it, what we read in your place, further decisions will be made. Many, many thanks at this point for your participation in our summit hit podcast Tonight here in Wolfsburg at the Sportsalm. Good to see you there. Thank you very much for your visit And a pleasant evening. Thank you.