Post by paoktzi on Dec 31, 2010 11:58:44 GMT 10
Alex Milic
Friday, 31 December 2010
What are your views on the recent success of the New Zealand national team?
Our whole country is excited about football now
What do you think of the A League? And the impact of Wellington Phoenix?
NZ must be very grateful for owner Terry Serepisos, again this team is very important for the overall game development of our small nation of 4 million
How did you feel after taking (you’re goal against China) New Zealand to their first World Cup finals?
It was a long time ago, fortunately I scored lots more goals after that one!
Compare the 82’ side with the current national team
I was the only pro back then, today the whole team are pro’s.
You were part of a golden generation at Werder Bremen. Discuss your time with the club
I was very fortunate to be a part of the most successful era in Werder’s history. We won the German Cup twice, Bundesliga Champions, Euro Cup Winners Cup in 6 seasons plus I was top scorer in the CL.
Most memorable moment?
All of the above plus 30 goals in 45 games in Europe.
How big of an influence was Otto Rehhagel?
He is still an influence today, we are close friends.
Are the right people running the NZ FA?
No.
Are you still in contact with the players from the 82’ side?
Yes. Steve Sumner, Sam Malcolmson.
You run a football academy, how’s that been? What is the most important aspect of the academy and what do you hope to achieve.
This should have been run in conjunction with the national body but … We are growing rapidly since NZ qualified for SA. Up to that point we were working with 2000 kids per week, all year round. Within another 2 years this figure may double. 8 players (see website) have picked up contracts with pro clubs incl current All White Chris Wood.
Are you thinking about going into coaching again?
Yes
Many fans in the country are taking notice of the great achievement of the football team. How important are supporters for the game in NZ?
The game is at an all time high.
What is your biggest challenge at the moment?
To set up winners in Australia.
What was your fondest memory as a footballer?
Last week I played with Global Utd in Namibia. Raising awareness of climate change. Was great to take the field with former stars like Stefan Schwarz- Sweden, Tony Sanneh-USA, Jens Nowotny-Germany etc.
You have become very religious in the past few years. How do you see the world.
I’m a born again Christian. I work with kids because they are our future and need guidance and role models. Basically it’s a biblical calling on my life.
What are you’re roles as a FIFA ambassador? You have had the opportunity to chat with World Footballs highly regarded men. Who stood out the most and what projects have been the most challenging?
Too many politics for my liking, I don’t envy Sepp Blatter. Pele and Franz Beckenbaur are a different class.
www.therealgame.com.au/news/football-news/91/wynton-rufer-interview
Friday, 31 December 2010
What are your views on the recent success of the New Zealand national team?
Our whole country is excited about football now
What do you think of the A League? And the impact of Wellington Phoenix?
NZ must be very grateful for owner Terry Serepisos, again this team is very important for the overall game development of our small nation of 4 million
How did you feel after taking (you’re goal against China) New Zealand to their first World Cup finals?
It was a long time ago, fortunately I scored lots more goals after that one!
Compare the 82’ side with the current national team
I was the only pro back then, today the whole team are pro’s.
You were part of a golden generation at Werder Bremen. Discuss your time with the club
I was very fortunate to be a part of the most successful era in Werder’s history. We won the German Cup twice, Bundesliga Champions, Euro Cup Winners Cup in 6 seasons plus I was top scorer in the CL.
Most memorable moment?
All of the above plus 30 goals in 45 games in Europe.
How big of an influence was Otto Rehhagel?
He is still an influence today, we are close friends.
Are the right people running the NZ FA?
No.
Are you still in contact with the players from the 82’ side?
Yes. Steve Sumner, Sam Malcolmson.
You run a football academy, how’s that been? What is the most important aspect of the academy and what do you hope to achieve.
This should have been run in conjunction with the national body but … We are growing rapidly since NZ qualified for SA. Up to that point we were working with 2000 kids per week, all year round. Within another 2 years this figure may double. 8 players (see website) have picked up contracts with pro clubs incl current All White Chris Wood.
Are you thinking about going into coaching again?
Yes
Many fans in the country are taking notice of the great achievement of the football team. How important are supporters for the game in NZ?
The game is at an all time high.
What is your biggest challenge at the moment?
To set up winners in Australia.
What was your fondest memory as a footballer?
Last week I played with Global Utd in Namibia. Raising awareness of climate change. Was great to take the field with former stars like Stefan Schwarz- Sweden, Tony Sanneh-USA, Jens Nowotny-Germany etc.
You have become very religious in the past few years. How do you see the world.
I’m a born again Christian. I work with kids because they are our future and need guidance and role models. Basically it’s a biblical calling on my life.
What are you’re roles as a FIFA ambassador? You have had the opportunity to chat with World Footballs highly regarded men. Who stood out the most and what projects have been the most challenging?
Too many politics for my liking, I don’t envy Sepp Blatter. Pele and Franz Beckenbaur are a different class.
www.therealgame.com.au/news/football-news/91/wynton-rufer-interview
