On this occasion Thomas Schaaf didn’t make his statements on the training pitch, but rather 1,2 kilometres above the ground. The Werder trainer was invited to take a mountain trip for his interview on Friday in Schruns, with a camera team. And WERDER.TV was also on hand to capture the proceedings.
690 Meters:
It couldn’t be just coincidence that the hosts from ‘Löwen-Hotel’ picked gondola number ‘1’ to drape in Green-Whites flags and scarves. “And off we go,” declared Thomas Schaaf as the cart swung into motion.
800 Meters:
The trainer had just a wry smile as the gondola took off from behind the team hotel and slowly made its way up the 2,520 meter high ‘Hochjoch’. The coach had also brought along the bulk of his trainer-crew. Matthias Hönerbach, Michael Kraft and trainer-student Ronny Teuber were all along for the ride. Wolfgang Rolff couldn’t make it.
867 Meters:
Jürgen L. Born was there too. The clubs chairman joined Thomas Schaaf at the back of the gondola and peered out at the view: “Always look up – never down,” is normally the order of the day to avoid acrophobia, but neither paid any heed to that on this occasion.
1050 Meters:
A clearance was made through the forest to make room for the lift. Along here there are apparently bicycle routes for those brave enough to face the trek on a bike.
1335 Meters:
The restaurant ‚Kropfen‘ marks the half-way point. Here the passengers in the opposing wagon were astounded to get a glimpse of the celebrities alongside them.
1420 Meters:
Here the gondola driver drew down a ladder to allow our fearless cameraman climb out onto the roof and get some very unique pictures. Thomas Schaaf looks as if he’d very much like to follow the cameraman.
1855 Meter:
Mountain stop ‚Kapell‘. The complete crew made it to the top safely and soundly. A slight amount of panic broke out at the mountain top restaurant as they spotted the Green-White troops. First of all there was an opportunity for the other tourists to grab a couple of autographs before the Werder officials could take a seat and enjoy some cake and a coffee.
900 Meter:
Unfortunately there wasn’t much time to really enjoy the view before the crew made their way to the gondola for the trip back down the mountain.
690 Meter:
And back in the valley, it was time for normal service to resume. A quick change of clothes and it was time to get on the bikes and head down to the training pitch – the third session of the day for Thomas Schaaf and his trainer team.