“You haven’t seen my secret yacht yet”

Happy Birthday, Thomas Schaaf. Werder’s head coach celebrated his 50th birthday on Saturday 30 April 2011.
First Team
Sunday, 01.05.2011 / 21:26

Head coach Thomas Schaaf celebrated his 50th birthday on Saturday, 30 April 2011. Ahead of the celebration, the longest-serving Bundesliga coach was a much-desired individual, giving one birthday interview after another. The news agency dapd sent a three-member...

Head coach Thomas Schaaf celebrated his 50th birthday on Saturday, 30 April 2011. Ahead of the celebration, the longest-serving Bundesliga coach was a much-desired individual, giving one birthday interview after another. The news agency dapd sent a three-member team from Hamburg to the Weser and talked to him for two hours. Here are some of the highlights.

How big of a performance is it to have saved this twisted season?
First of all, we hope that we can achieve our goal of staying in the league. And if you look at our standards of challenging for the title when possible, then you can't be very proud of just catching yourself. But those who know how difficult it is to stop a negative run can appreciate it.

Do you have the feeling that you are still learning and getting better?
I hope. When that's not the case then I would be sad because I think that's a big charm of life - discovering new things and dealing with them.

Otto Rehhagel said he didn't want to sit on the bench any more after turning 60 - and he did not keep up word. What about you?
I am certain that I cannot and will not stand on the sidelines for the rest of my life. I will let things happen as they come. What does a five-year plan help if you're not a coach anymore because you're not having success? In addition, I am happy to say that we would do well privately if I don't work two or three years as a coach.

You are considered modest, not living in Bremen's noble districts but rather near the gates to the Hanseatic city. And you're not known for your extravagances.
You haven't seen my secret yacht yet ...

We thought that belonged to Abramovich. But seriously, do you buy any luxury items?
I like to drive - also a high class car. I indulge myself with that. We have a small house which is totally okay, and we don't have to go on holidays in luxury locations. But we indulge in one every now and again. Not everyone has the freedom to go out to eat whenever they want. Or flying somewhere for three years, even though it's wonderful.

You are starting your sixth century. Is your 50th birthday a problem for you?
Numbers are not that important. I get scared sometimes how quick time goes sometimes. But that is maybe because I deal with young people every day. That is something very nice. But like I said, numbers don't mean that much. That shows that you cannot do everything on the pitch. But it depends on how you move, how you feel and what you can still do. I have a good friend who is well over 60 - if I could ski like him, that would be great. Age doesn't matter. Sometimes it scares me. 50 - and then I think, it's not that far off.
Interview: dapd

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