Netzer: "I wouldn't want to swap places with today's players"
11.02.2009
Former Germany international Günter Netzer was on top form when he attended Schalke's new event series "Goals and wins" at the VELTINS Arena on Tuesday. Here are some of the views and anecdotes he shared:
Günter Netzer on ...
... patronage in sport: That existed at Eintracht Braunschweig in 1970s. Jägermeister took over the club with a marketing concept and created a lot of hype around the brand. Once they had achieved their advertising objectives they dropped the club like a hot potato. Unlike in Hoffenheim they didn't invest in the infrastructure. It was the worst ground I've ever seen. We never won there either. Their team was full of massive blokes. It hurt just to run past them. And when they won the league we were all made to stand in the corner and feel ashamed of ourselves.
... sheikhs as investors: These sheikhs, the ones who are pumping millions into Manchester City, for example, have completely lost their feel for money. What's happening there is unsavoury, but some people are crazy like that. It's not my world and I don't want to experience it in football.
... players' wages in the Bundesliga: The Bosman ruling was the biggest crime to hit football. Since then the clubs haven't been masters of their own houses. But I get the feeling the continuous rise in wages is about to come to an end.
... marketing opportunities on the Asian market: That's a market you have to be in. But the English clubs were there long before us, they went over on a regular basis. Other European countries have had only sporadic success there. Real Madrid went, but they regarded it as a tiresome duty. The players gave half-hearted performances – and the Chinese haven't forgotten. They needn't bother going back again. The Germans have missed this marketing opportunity as well.
... new sources of income: In my view, the broad spectrum of income streams has been tapped. The top clubs in Germany work on a highly professional basis, though much depends on success on the pitch, of course. But there are no niches left for them to market.
... the modern player: I wouldn't want to swap places with today's players. The things we got up to back then. If people had found out... Football was less transparent, today everything's in the paper the next day. I'd have gladly taken the money, though.
... promoting talent: We shouldn't forget the youth. That would be terrible and self-destructive. These days, unfortunately, you often get even mediocre players standing in the way of young talent. When I look back, a lot of new lads were full internationals within a year: Rummenigge, Overath, Vogts, Libuda and Netzer as well. If I were a young player today and I had someone in front of me, I would have to accept it. But it's down to the players themselves. The problem in the Bundesliga is that you're competing against top international players in some cases. If there's no alternative, perhaps players should take the second division route and try to make a name for themselves there.
... the importance of the fans: Football fans have regained their standing. After matches we never even ran over to the terraces. We were so arrogant back then, we said they should be happy just to be able to watch us. Today it's normal to meet the fans. At the beginning of the 1980s supporter events were a sensation. The players kicked up a right fuss when they were told they had to go along.
