Direct speech by BVB captain Can - Anticipating the process of acquiring the pot.
In Wembley, Dortmund will lock horns with Real Madrid.
Emre Can: The Champions League Final of 2018 with Liverpool. At that time, it was also against Real. Plus the Euro 2016 semi-final against France. But now it feels totally different to me.
Can: In 2018, I was sidelined with an injury and only trained a few days before the final. Honestly, I shouldn't have been in the squad, but Klopp (Jürgen Klopp, ed.) wanted me there no matter what: I played for 10 minutes on the field. But when you begin from the beginning, it feels different: Now I am the captain of the team, I have played in all the knockout stages. The excitement is enormous: Our fans will turn London all black and yellow!
Can: Absolutely. That would be amazing. I have unshakable faith that we can win! Even though Real has never lost a Champions League final. It's about time.
Can: After the Eindhoven match in the round of 16, we realized that anything was possible. We were part of the so-called "death group," lost the first game in Paris, and then drew against AC Milan. Everyone thought we'd be booted out early. We kept our faith, though, and now we merit being in the final. We were often accused of not having character in the past, but we've shown otherwise!
Can: I picture a scenario in the second leg of the semi-final in Paris: We had a corner, lost the ball, and Paris started a counter. I chased back, checked my surroundings a few moments later, and saw that everyone was protecting the ball. I thought to myself: Today, nobody can beat us. We must have that feeling in the final.
Can: I say 50-50! It's just a game, a lot hinges on the day's form.
Can: We need to be fully alert. Real is a team that doesn't only stand out for possessing the ball, but also for counter-attacking. They are a squad that can endure. They just defend for 20 minutes and wait. You can't afford to make a mistake, or else they'll pounce. We need to be vigilant.
Can on Reus: "I'd've loved to play with him for longer"
Can: I was part of the squad for a game, on the first matchday against Valencia. The medal is at home, but the experience was different. It was great, but now it's a completely different ball game. If I envision lifting the trophy, I get goosebumps.
Can: Heck yes. I picture the games beforehand, how we triumph. I already envision beating Real and receiving the cup. That gives me energy and motivation.
Can: I'd've loved to play with him for longer. He's still a superb player. He rarely loses the ball in the game, he's technically outstanding. I'll miss playing with him on the field.
Can: In fact, everyone at our club is pals with Marco. He never lets the superstar act aloof, we have great times with him in the locker room.
Can: Sure thing. It also hinged on me: At the start, I often thought I had to do something special. I pushed it too hard with that, it wasn't right. Now, I'm very clear about the armband and the responsibility, and I feel good about it.
Can: Indeed, of course. I am grateful to the entire club. I played very little in the six months before my contract extension. I was candid: In the 2022/23 winter, I actually desired to leave. I only feel content when I'm on the field, and that didn't transpire often enough at the time. Then came the second half of the season.
Can: Sure, during our USA tour in the summer. I got a message from Sebastian Kehl to meet him at the hotel lobby. That's when I first believed I might be the new captain.
Can: No, not at all. It's just an honor to be in the line of prestigious BVB captains. I mainly held discussions with Sebastian Kehl, who had also worn the armband for a bit. We had dinner, and he shared some pointers.
Can: No, not at all.
Can: Nope.
Can: Yes, I'd expected it. I regularly featured in the national team and was often part of it. It would've been lovely if someone had told me in person about the omission.
Can: Yeah I did.
Can: In particular, Julian Brandt and Mats Hummels deserved a nomination.
I had a lot of fond memories with Can. He was like the most crucial mentor I've had. In my youth, he showed faith in me and even let me lead some games under his management. I still recollect the time when he arrived at Borussia Dortmund. He urged us to trust him and give him some room to work. And lo and behold, he ended up accomplishing great feats. You just can't envision Liverpool without Klopp. I hope our paths will cross again one day.
Regarding Bayern Munich?
Can: It's unlikely he would switch to them. But, you never know.
Can: It sure would be great. I think he still has a soft spot for BVB. But he should try to relax a bit first.
Currently, I'm playing for Dortmund and focusing on the best possible outcome. The rest will unravel in time.
