Just seen these comments from German football journalist Tim Rohn, he writes for top German newspaper, Bild. He was speaking after the Memorial Cup. I have to say, the first statement isn't a good start ('Just an insignificant tournament'), but the rest of the comments are pretty good! âJust an insignificant tournament. I did not have big expectations when I took my flight to London to watch the âMemorial Cupâ in Southampton. I am an editor for Germanyâs biggest newspaper BILD and most of the time I write about Werder Bremen. So it was me that was chosen to see the club in the UK. When I arrived at St. Maryâs Stadium, ninety minutes before the first match I was really surprised. What an awesome ground! The stands so close to the pitch, no fences â it is not like as it is in the German Bundesliga. There were not many supporters at this time, but when the Saints started against Werder there were probably around 9000 people. And they made noise like there were three times that many! It was amazing. They supported the team like many German second division teams could only dream of being supported even in championship games. The whole stadium (the part that was crowded) was singing after the first goal. I really liked the atmosphere â and the way the Saints play as well. So fast from the defence to the attack. Great! The 3:0 win was well-deserved. I talked to some spectators after the first match. Nice guys! Emotional guys! Fair guys! Even after I told them that I was German . Red and white are the perfect colours for football clubs â I am biased though because I am a big fan of Fortuna Düsseldorf (2nd division, Germany) and they wear the same colours. I am thinking about coming back to see Southampton in the Championship. I want more â undoubtedly!â
I don't think he meant to be offensive with that first comment. What I think he meant was, from a his point of view, as a top journalist for the biggest newspaper in Germany it was just a little tournament they had been invited to with 3 clubs in it. He then says how impressed he was by it.
And remember the Germans say things as they are. No room for pleasantries, just straight speaking. Very complimentary piece on the whole. My German mate from Berlin was surprised but impressed that we beat Bremen 3-0 in 45mins.
That report is worth spreading around, apologies for the plagiarism but I felt I had to post part of it on the Echo site for the benefit of a few that have been dissing the club on that Forum.
Brilliant... Just discovered i can access this forum from work. Wont be long till i get discovered though no doubt! That is some great news! I always liked the Germans. Hopefully the english press can learn a few things!
Only problem is that they have "the power" to take over my desktop because we are running over "cloud" servers. If they notice my system starts slowing everything down i will be busted!
Really good comments from him, he should definitely return if he thought that was a good atmosphere, although not bad, he should come for the Leeds game, that will be loud.
