It took two years for Daniel Bierofka to see the Lions play live in the stadium again.
The ex-coach speaks here for the first time since his retirement.
Daniel Bierofka, surprisingly you were sitting in the stands in the 3-2 victory of the Lions against Duisburg, for the first time since your voluntary retreat in autumn 2019. How did that come about?
Bierofka:
It was just a good opportunity on Saturday.
Immediately after my withdrawal, I had no urge, then the lockdown came - and my coaching job in Innsbruck.
Markus Fauser asked me if I would like to - we have been friends since then (since Bierofka and the renovator from Stuttgart swept up the broken pieces after the double relegation in 2017 / ed.).
Of course, I immediately said yes.
Nobody knows whether there will be ghost games again soon.
A return after two years - how many emotions were involved?
Bierofka:
It felt a bit strange.
We had parked at the training area - the walk was already something special.
It was really fun to sit in the stadium again and to experience the unique atmosphere again.
How did the fans react?
Bierofka:
One or the other has already looked.
We were wearing FFP2 masks, so some weren't sure if it really was me.
Jokingly, I said to Markus Fauser: "Our camouflage didn't last long."
Stadium announcer Sebastian Schäch greeted you as a “model lion”, the fans sang: “Without Biero we wouldn't be here at all”. Did you expect such a warm welcome?
Bierofka:
I was surprised when the announcement came after five minutes - and the reaction from the grandstand.
A nice feeling!
Then you realize that you can't have done so much wrong in all these years.
Besides that, you could settle a small bill. You shouldn't have been so enthusiastic that Michael Köllner appeared in the stands in 2019, in a difficult phase for you. . .
Bierofka: It
is quite normal for coaches to watch soccer games.
I don't think Michael Köllner had the ulterior motive to relieve me at the time.
As a coach, it's also about staying in the carousel.
Maybe I will soon be in Unterhaching or somewhere else in the stands.
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Once a lion, always a lion: this also applies (again) to ex-trainer Daniel Bierofka.
© Imago
So are you at peace with your successor?
Bierofka:
Everything is okay between Michael Köllner and me.
I gave him my condolences when his father died.
Since then we have had one or the other contact.
I also congratulated him on his victory on Saturday.
I hope that the three points will give a boost and start another series.
The team definitely has the quality to remain unbeaten for ten games or more - with hopefully more wins than draws.
As we know, anything is possible in the third division.
There is no trace of bitterness about 1860 when you hear you talk like that.
Bierofka:
There never was.
Of course, there was a disappointment at first - especially when you know how some things went.
But: time heals all wounds.
I will always be a sixties.
One is the association, the other is acting people.
Because of that, I had completely withdrawn myself, given no interviews at all in the two years.
My goal was not to leave anything negative.
One is the association, the other is acting people.
I had therefore completely withdrawn and given no interviews at all in the two years.
My goal was not to leave anything negative.
Daniel Bierofka on his way of coming to terms with the past.
Are you also at peace with those whom you were disappointed with at the time? Have there been debates?
Bierofka:
There weren't any debates, but neither do we need them.
On the sporty side: How did you like the game?
Bierofka:
I thought it was great, extremely gripping - it went up and down.
Scoring chances on both sides, four hits on the post, two penalties, one of which was missed.
In addition, the course of the game: 0: 1 behind, 2: 1 led, 2: 2, then still the victory.
In the second half it was an open exchange of blows.
As the coach in charge, you probably want a more controlled game, but it was a pleasure for the spectators.
Emotionally like the whole club.
Bierofka:
Yes, but at least with a good outcome, that's important.
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Emotional highlight: Daniel Bierofka (with Phillipp Steinhart) after promotion to the 3rd division on May 27, 2018.
© Imago
Many players from your time are still there. Do you also recognize the sporty Bierofka elements that have lasted for two years?
Bierofka:
Regardless of myself, I'm happy that there are still many guys who played under me: Sascha, Vino, Steini, Marco (Mölders, Wein, Steinhart, Hiller / Red.).
It's not a completely new team that's on the field now.
That's why I wish the guys the very best!
You have been out at Wacker Innsbruck since October. Was that a redemption similar to that in 1860? As for the turbulence in Innsbruck, there were certainly parallels.
Bierofka:
Let's put it this way: It was planned for over three years when I signed in Innsbruck.
At that time, of course, there was no telling that the investor would stop paying ... In the end, we missed the promotion relegation to one game.
We had to give up seven players and could only sign one.
It was all not so easy, also because of the expectations - Innsbruck is a traditional club like in 1860.
In 2021 I got a two-point cut until my exemption - but not enough in the end, probably also because of the economic pressure.
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Frustration in Tyrol: At the beginning of October, Daniel Bierofka was released from Wacker Innsbruck's coach.
© Imago
Has work experience been booked as a further chapter?
Bierofka:
It was a job that I did with a lot of passion.
They were a really good group, also in terms of character.
In 1860 I had decided to resign alone, this time it was an exemption.
I was able to tick it off relatively quickly because of course it wasn't that emotional.
Do you already have an idea what to do next?
Bierofka:
I had an offer from the 3rd division straight
away
- but the timing was too early.
Thursday came the exemption, Saturday I should have served somewhere else.
It was too much for my head - and I didn't want to do it to my family either.
Basically, however, I am open to everything.
I could also imagine going back into training, which I had a lot of fun with in 1860.
Is closeness to home still an important factor for you? Or would you also go to North Rhine-Westphalia or Northern Germany?
Bierofka:
At the moment, being close to home is already a factor.
My son is now 16, and at this important phase I would like to be there for him and the family.
If something should come that was further away - then it would have to fit 100 percent.
Let's see what flies in.
I am open to everything, but I only do things that I am convinced of.
After everything I've already experienced, nothing scares me anymore.
Daniel Bierofka about a possible interest in the coaching job at Türkgücü.
At Türkgücü something has just become free. Would that be conceivable for you?
Bierofka:
To do that, you'd have to talk to each other - and see if you're on the same wavelength.
As I said: I am open to everything, but I only do things that I am convinced of.
In 2021, Türkgücü has already worn four coaches, the club is run with a nervous hand. Isn't that off-putting?
Bierofka:
After everything I've already experienced, nothing scares me anymore.
A job in the training area, which you could imagine, would certainly be more relaxed. Good youth coaches are always wanted at Grünwalder Straße 114. How about a return to 1860?
Bierofka:
I think that's a question for other people.
Whether they can imagine that.
.
.
(laughs).
As I said: time heals all wounds.
1860 will always be my club.
And in general you should never say never in life.
Will you be seen more often in the Grünwalder Stadium now?
Bierofka:
Definitely!
If the time is right again, I will gladly take the chance.
As I said: I really enjoyed it on Saturday!
And what is your forecast for the rest of the season?
Bierofka:
When you see the table, a lot is possible.
Of course, you must never lose sight of the back places, but as Michael Köllner said: When you start a run, you are relatively quickly back to where 1860 wanted to go - and where you belong.
Of course, you must never lose sight of the back places, but as Michael Köllner said: When you start a run, you are relatively quickly back to where 1860 wanted to go - and where you belong.
Daniel Bierofka on the lions' chances of advancement.
Sounds like you'd love to celebrate an ascent again in 1860.
Bierofka:
(laughs) Sure!
If I get an invitation, I'm happy to be there.
The celebration after the relegation will be hard to beat.
Interview: Uli Kellner
