Huge "Bild" Interview With Jürgen Klopp - "Who Does Not Go Along Will Have Major Problems"

Only one week vacation in Greece, now the European Championship tournament, then your new job with BVB. Were you able to truly relax?
Jürgen Klopp (40): "I read and my wife Ulla saw many beautiful things. Nevertheless, I called Michael Zorc often and picked up a thing or two along the way. Last year I had three days of vacation, this year seven days. It was not to little before."

Are you planning your move?
Klopp: "My Ulla has taken charge of that. We will keep our house in Mainz as long as our two sons are in school. But I am sure we will find a beautiful home in Dortmund soon too. We will be all right in any case."

You are the fourth BVB coach in two years. Does that make you nervous?
Klopp (laughing): "That is nonsense. I deliberately chose BVB. The football-hungry fan-base here embodies exactly what I love about football."

After 18 years in the oasis of hope that is Mainz, you have no fear of the heightened pressure of expectations in Dortmund?
Klopp: "I think the pressure I put on myself is three times larger than any pressure from outside! If I think of 80,000 fans in the stadium, my neck hair stands from pure anticipation. Plus, there was also sufficient pressure in Mainz..."

You have spoken of all-out football. How will this look?
Klopp: "Lively! It is important we do this. The fans should not only recognize us by our black and yellow jerseys. Even if we play in red, everyone in the stadium should think, ´Whoa, that can only be BVB!´ When you sit in this stadium with your eyes closed, you should sense there is a passionate team on the field below."

Borussia will turn 100 years old in 2009. What goals have you set for this anniversary?
Klopp:"To create memories! The 2008/2009 season will be remembered for a return of important successes. We are involved in three competitions and want to provide positive surprises in the Bundesliga, German Cup and UEFA Cup."

Just three competitions?
Klopp (frowning briefly): "Yes, the local battle with our Revier rivals Schalke. Two victories over Schalke would be superb! Especially for the anniversary.

BVB has three new acquisitions in Hajnal, Santana and Subotic. Who is next?
Klopp: "At least two more. The team needs more competition for positions. Last season some players were guaranteed a spot just because they were healthy.

Will some players still be let go?
Klopp: "Yes! Certainly! I don´t want a 30 man roster. Everyone must know he will have to give 100 percent performance to be here."

Schalke signed Farfan. Will BVB sign a real headline-grabber?
Klopp: "We do not yet have the financial means to sign those players. Rather, we will sign players with the potential to develop."

With Santana and Subotic, the defense got radically younger. Are they both ready for the Bundesliga and the UEFA Cup?
Klopp: "Exactly like Mats Hummels, they already have enough experience with extreme situations. If Santana is just 21 and captain of his team in Brazil, that speaks well for him. And Subotic is the biggest talent I´ve worked with to this point."

After the "Grandfather Defense" conceded 62 goals, you´re building the "Children´s Bar"...?
Klopp: "When a team concedes 62 goals, the defense is not the only problem. Something generally went wrong. With me, everyone has to defend."

Who will be your new captain?
Klopp:"The fact is, it is up to me. Presently, Frei, Dede and Kehl are my candidates. The players´ choice will also be taken into consideration."

Frei will play an important role despite being so injury-prone?
Klopp:"Yes, I have already telephoned with him. I am assuming he will be fully fit to play by the third or fourth match of the season. He has overcome the initial frustration."

Will the BVB stars have to survive wilderness training as your Mainz players did?
Klopp:"Anything is possible! However, not during preparation for this coming season. But be advised, next winter is certainly coming!"

You are considered an easy-going coach. Can you become hard?
Klopp:"Absolutely! Those who only give me 99 percent in training will have huge problems. The team will have to work and push like it never has before..."

Why are you ending your time as the TV National Coach after the European Championship Tournament?
Klopp: "I have experienced three huge tournaments with ZDF in the Confederations Cup, World Cup and now the European Championship. I´ve found some good friendships and got to know great people like Pele. I will now leave that to Oliver Kahn..."

Original report from "Bild"
Author: Joachim Schuth/Translated by Keith Richardson