Felix Wiedwald: “TSG deserve to be where they are”

Felix, you grew up only a few kilometres away from Bremen and played for their academy – what does the club mean to you?

Felix Wiedwald: It comes as no surprise that Werder have been in my heart since I was young. I spent my youth years with Werder, and was educated here. My family are from here, and I met my wife here. I just have a lot of sporting and personal connections with Bremen. 

Your last Instagram photo was with Revolverheld’s lead singer Johannes Strate – do you dabble in music yourself? 

Wiedwald: Ah, I prefer to leave that to Johannes – he does it better. We met at an event in Werder and enjoy seeing one another when we can. 

There’s a lot of discussion over your goalkeeping ability, and you’ve been analysed by many an ‘expert’. How have you dealt with all of this?

Wiedwald: It’s a part of the job. I’ve tried not to let it get to me. However, I would say that I’ve matured overall due to the situation. 

You’ve been one of the best goalkeepers in the league in the second-half of the season. The critics have been silenced for the most part. Is that satisfying for you? 

Wiedwald: (laughs) I’ve been asked this question a lot in recent weeks. I’m just happy to be playing well, and that’s how I can help the team and contribute to the success of the team. That’s exactly what’s important for me. 

You finished the first-half of the season 15th, and now you’re 8th going into Matchday 33, and a point behind 6th. How did this ‘happen’?

Wiedwald: We worked very hard over the winter break, both as a team and as individuals. Even when the results weren’t going our way to start with, we didn’t doubt ourselves and remained calm. Our patience paid off against Mainz, and against Wolfsburg there was an element of luck involved. Finally, our confidence was back and we went on a tear. 

TSG are fighting for third place in the table. What have you made of TSG so far this season? 

Wiedwald: Hoffenheim have had a fantastic season. The team is well structured and every one of their players helps the team by bringing their skills to the table. They deserve to be where they are.

There’s a lot at stake for both clubs: What are you expecting from Saturday’s game? 

Wiedwald: An exciting one for the sake of those watching it. We’ve got a tough task ahead of us. Hoffenheim are aiming for the Champions League and we want to make good on our chances at the Europa League. If we play like we’ve played in recent weeks, and with the fans behind us, then we have the confidence to say that we want to keep all three points in Bremen. 

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