The Bavarians are coming! In the big kicker interview (Monday edition), Borussia goalkeeper Yann Sommer not only talks about the upcoming DFB Cup clash on Wednesday evening, but also about a possible contract extension in Gladbach, his big goal with the Fohlenelf and his desire to play football for a very long time to come.
Still between the posts at 40? Not a utopia for Yann Sommer, but a scenario that the Borussia Mönchengladbach goalkeeper considers quite realistic. “Still in goal at 40 – I can definitely imagine that, absolutely, why not?” says the Swiss in the big SOTD interview (Monday edition). Football is his “great passion, a profession that fulfils me completely and makes me happy,” the keeper explains, “I want to experience it as long as possible.”
Sommer is aware that “the physical conditions have to be right” to be able to extend his career for so long. “The ideal would be: I get up in the morning at 40, all the bones are still in the right place – and then I look in the mirror and say to myself: how awesome that you get to go to training again today.” At the moment, at 32, he feels “absolutely top physically”, Sommer emphasises. “I also invest a lot to get a few years out of it. From nutrition to mental work. Everything that goes into staying fit for a long time. “
Since his transfer from FC Basel in 2014, the international has been the undisputed number one in Gladbach’s goal. His contract expires in 2023, and even then it doesn’t have to be the end for him at Borussia, says Sommer. “Yes, it can happily go beyond 2023. It is not a matter of course to have a regular place at such an ambitious club for such a long time and to be able to play football successfully. For me, Borussia is simply a super club,” emphasised the keeper. Has there been any talk about an extension with those responsible? “Not yet, no,” is Sommer’s answer. “I’m happy that my contract runs for another year and a half, and I’m quite relaxed about it. “
“My big goal is to win a title with Gladbach.’
YANN SOMMER
Something “tinny”, as sports director Max Eberl likes to say, Sommer has not been able to win with the Foals so far. The goalkeeper would like to change that. “My big goal is to win a title with Gladbach,” is the clear announcement. And: “Of course, the DFB Cup is part of that.”
The hurdle in the next cup round could not be higher: FC Bayern awaits. A Herculean task for the Borussians, who have often been able to trip up the record champions in the past. Sommer’s Gladbach record against Munich is even: six wins, six losses, three draws. It was a 1-1 draw on the first Bundesliga matchday – with Sommer in top form. This draw is “already far away” and “no longer plays a role for Wednesday”, the Foals’ back-up makes clear. But Sommer also says: “If we have the confidence to do something on Wednesday, I don’t think we’re without a chance. Even if FC Bayern are in great form again at the moment.” One of the keys is: “Show courage and perform with self-confidence. We also have to present Bayern with difficult tasks. “