Personnel
“I’m looking forward to feeling that DNA” – New goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger in an exclusive interview
Manu, after seven years at Arsenal, you’re continuing your career at BVB. What were the main reasons behind your decision?
One of the reasons was being close to my family. That was very important to me as I took this next step. And then there’s the vision that Dortmund is pursuing. I want to be part of that. I want to help shape it and play my part. Not just on the pitch, but off it as well.
You’re at the peak of your career as a goalkeeper and the Austrian national team’s first-choice keeper: why are you still convinced that moving to the Regionalliga is the right move?
The project, the infrastructure and the vision behind it won me over straight away. But for me, it was also a chance to show what I’m capable of at a different level and to see how far I can develop with a team. I also want to prove my leadership qualities with a different team. There are many different aspects, and these are just a few reasons why I chose Dortmund. The list is long.
You’ve won German championships. You’ve won the Champions League. Next year, you’ll be aiming for a Regionalliga title and the Westfalenpokal. What motivates you, then?
The vision of achieving something great. Not getting certain things handed to you on a plate, but really saying: We’re working our way up step by step – from the regional league to the second division and into the Bundesliga. There’s something big behind that. That’s what I find so exciting. And it shows what’s already happened at the club. But what’s yet to come in the future will be all the more wonderful.
Given your experiences in England and the impression you’ve gained of BVB so far, would you say that BVB are on the right track?
Absolutely. Of course, the clubs in England are on a different level. But what I’ve seen at BVB so far, what’s already available in the Regionalliga, some clubs don’t even have in the top flight. Then there are the fans – it’s incredible how they’re already filling the stadiums. I’m looking forward to being out on the pitch soon, creating that atmosphere and feeling that DNA. “Heja BVB” is already a thing.
What sort of goalkeeper can BVB fans look forward to? How would you describe yourself?
Definitely passionate. I try to be vocal, but at the same time carefully assess what the team needs. But I love the fans. I love it when the fans make a noise. It’s not for nothing that they call us the 12th woman on the pitch, and we want to achieve something together with the fans. And when the fans are loud, when we’re loud on the pitch, we can create something great. And then you’ll see me in all my glory on the pitch – or even off it. I’m someone who wears their heart on their sleeve, and hopefully the fans will feel that over the coming months.
You’ve played at the Emirates Stadium in front of 60,000 fans. From now on, your home ground will be the Rote Erde Stadium. How excited are you to play in such a historic stadium?
Tradition is a key word. I love it when a club has tradition and a distinct identity. And for me, there’s already a great foundation in place to build on. 3,500 fans at Regionalliga matches – that’s incredible. You often don’t get that many in the top flight. I hope that we girls on the pitch can continue to ensure that more and more people come to BVB.
You once said: “For me, there are no small goals. I only set myself big ones.” What goals have you set yourself here at Borussia Dortmund?
Quite a few. Over the next few years, we want to make our way up to the Bundesliga, so that in future we can build something for the girls coming through in our own club. And you have to set yourself big goals so that you also have smaller milestones along the way. And I can feel the energy in the club from the people I’ve spoken to. Every single soul here is passionate about it.
Your next goal is to return to the pitch after tearing your cruciate ligament last October. How are you doing at the moment?
My knee is doing really well. I can’t complain. There’s no swelling and I’m making great progress with my rehab programme. I test regularly to see if I’m back to the strength I had before the injury. That’s crucial for taking the next steps on the pitch. But it’s looking very good. I can already feel the grass beneath my feet.
