Leverkusen legend Jens Nowotny: “I am proud of the nickname Vizekusen”

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Blick: Is the term “Vizekusen” an annoying word for you?
Jens Nowotny: Not at all, I’m actually proud of it. What we have achieved so far gives me positive feelings. Of course we would have liked to become champions, but nowadays I see the bigger picture. If you look at the entire history of the Bundesliga, there are not many teams that have been able to play at the top for so long and have finished second so often.

So for you the glass is half full and not half empty.
In each case. If anyone thinks I should make a mocking remark, I will reply that I would rather finish second four times than be relegated in Palmarès. We then played consistently well and were represented in the Champions League.

That’s worth all the credit for. Another question: What was missing at this time to become a champion?
There was a certain callousness and insolence missing. We should have been a leader with a bolder external attitude during the season. With an arrogance that sends a clear signal from north to south – from above, so to speak – only to cause a stiff neck among the competition below.

Do you mean positive arrogance – in the sense of more self-confidence?
Precisely. Always have a big mouth and say some bold statements. That certainly wouldn’t have hurt us, we were in too good a mood for that. And in the end, what you said doesn’t matter anymore. No one will be interested in that anymore. If you still lose in the end, you’ve lost.

The taunts usually just came from Bayern Munich – also this season. What else speaks for Leverkusen this season?
Leverkusen has the qualitative strength to withstand Bayern to the end. The last few games have shown this with some last-minute goals, most recently in the DFB Cup quarter-finals against Stuttgart. Luck is certainly on Leverkusen’s side this season. They enjoy the trust of a leader.

And Bayern’s stiff neck.
In any case, Bayern is no longer as solid as in the past. If Leverkusen draws this season, Bayern will suddenly lose points. You have a lot of self-made problems – more than normal.

Nevertheless, the record champions come from Munich. How do you see the direct duel?
Leverkusen is the favourite. And if they win, this game will be groundbreaking. Because a win in a match like this will give Leverkusen another boost – they will then become elusive. But if Bayern wins against expectations, it will be just one of many games for me. After that, Bayern no longer marches forward, but continues to stumble.

They have learned to tease.
Yes, but I’m not done yet (laughs). Thomas Tuchel’s coaching chair is already shaking. It is quite possible that Xabi Alonso will come to Munich with the championship trophy next season and become a coach there. Perhaps he will also become Jürgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool.

What testimony will you give to Alonso in Leverkusen?
Great class. His handwriting is clearly visible. It’s just really fun to watch the team right now. Not only do you become a fan again as a former Leverkusen player, many people in Germany are enthusiastic. And it is amazing how Alonso created a complete picture with a few new puzzle pieces in the summer.

Which characters stand out to you?
What I am particularly impressed with is the defense, which barely concedes a goal. As a former defender, I see this defense as a work of art. And that includes Granit Xhaka.

He’s one of those puzzle pieces.
His presence on the field is impressive. This self-confidence, this genuine self-confidence, is what inspires the team. Xhaka leads the team through their play. He is not the most spectacular player with his simple passes, but he also gets in the way sometimes. And when it comes down to it, the decisive pass comes into the interface and then everything starts.

A special game intelligence.
Yes, he has a very special feeling for the game and often knows what the team needs and when. He also conveys this self-image to the fans in the stadium.

In the dialogue with Alonso, Xhaka seems like an adjutant.
There’s an eerie harmony there. But I also think that Alonso knows very well what he has in Xhaka. The trainer gives his boss the freedom he needs to develop and develop.

Source : Blick