Being able to report from Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion is something special for every Austrian journalist. After all, it doesn’t happen every day.
You wouldn’t expect some of the strange incidents that would happen during this trip. An insight into a far more exciting trip to Dortmund than expected.
Already at the airport in Schwechat it quickly became clear: Although this flight was operated by a German airline, there would not be many Germans among the passengers. Gate C42 was firmly in Styrian hands, which became apparent immediately after arrival with the sentence “Do you snore as much as Harry does when he’s drunk?”
My editorial colleague, not a big fan of flying, was already looking forward to landing in Cologne after boarding – which, by the way, went splendidly, to everyone’s delight. Still there was no clapping. Really un-Austrian.
Do not travel with Deutsche Bahn
From there we took the train to Dortmund, where I felt uneasy days before the start of our journey. Sorry, dear Deutsche Bahn, but I really can’t refute the opinions about you. Looking back, I can say: It’s good that we arrived the day before, so at least we were there in time for the game.
The press center in Signal Iduna Park
Photo: © Mersol/LAOLA1
Speaking of the previous day: the press conferences of both teams also took place on this day. Those from Dortmund at 12 noon, while we were still on the delayed train. What a defeat.
But the spacious press center in the Westfalenstadion was not a defeat (yes, I know it is called something different, but leave me with my football nostalgia). Rating: worth seeing.
There are microphones mounted on the numerous tables into which you had to speak when you asked a question. However, only every third place. I snagged one right between two mics, which resulted in me getting an unannounced free yoga session. My spine thanks BVB at this point.
Im Steakhouse mit “Sabi”
Two hours later we met for dinner in a really great steak restaurant, where, to our surprise, Marcel Sabitzer was there not far from a table with Sturm fans.
The waiter there pretended to be an insider and said he knew that the ÖFB footballer wouldn’t be playing the next day. After all, “Sabi” wouldn’t be here today. We still remained skeptical (and were right), as did the Sturm fans, one of whom acknowledged the waiter’s prophecy with “If I wash up tomorrow, I won’t have to do anything.”
At this point we were already relaxed again, because when we checked in at the hotel it turned out, to our dismay, that it was a construction site. Starting at eight o’clock sharp, everything was done digging and drilling. When it comes to delays, the construction workers could really learn something from Deutsche Bahn. It’s actually amazing that this text came about anyway.
The city center in Graz’s hands
Matchday. Off to the city center, to the old market, the meeting point of the Sturm appendix for the fan march. By the way, we passed the new Dortmund town hall. Conclusion: Modern, futuristic, chic. But that’s just by the way.
Our encounter with the employees at the BVB fan shop in the city center couldn’t have been much nicer. You were great, thanks for everything. For what exactly? Especially for allowing us to shoot our footage of the fan march from your upper floor. And just for taking such care of us. I am now a fan of the BVB fan shop. There are things.
Soon afterwards we got to know the “Yellow Wall” and the BVB Arena for the first time. It’s impressive when everyone takes part. If. At the same time, respect also goes to the Sturm fans, who put up a considerable amount of vocal opposition. Respect.
Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin also found words of praise>>>
In the 86th minute, Donyell Malen finally scored the decisive 1-0 for the home team, when we were already mentally prepared to congratulate Christian Ilzer at the press conference on what I believe was a not undeserved point win.
Beer cups instead of oranges and stones
But a beer mug smashing onto the desk right in front of us quickly snapped me out of these thoughts. The colleague from the “Krone” who was seated next to me had more luck than sense. Sorry, but that’s stupid and dangerous. At least I now have some idea of how Hans Huber must have felt in Israel.
Hours later the work was done and we finally went to bed shortly after three in the morning and after 21 hours on my feet. The construction workers allowed us four and a half hours of sleep before they got back to work. Of course, on time at eight o’clock. In Germany, the only train that is unpunctual is probably the train.
Soon afterwards it’s time for us again: off to our homeland. Hopefully this time with less turbulence. We will remember the trip for a long time. Like Hans Huber once did.
Sturm-Noten: That would have deserved a point
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