Interview with Aaron Berzel: “Sliskovic?

Absolutely would have been one for sixty!”

Created: 2022-01-20Updated: 2022-01-20, 7:40 p.m

By: Uli Kellner

Still big buddies: Aaron Berzel (left) with Sascha Mölders, his former teammate at 1860. © Imago

Nobody knows the inner workings of Türkgücü and 1860 better than Aaron Berzel, who played for both clubs.

He says before the derby: "There's a lot of explosiveness in there!"

Aaron Berzel, 29, will miss the duel between his former Munich clubs – because he will play with his new club SC Verl at Viktoria Köln on Saturday at the third division kick-off time of 2 p.m., where he had played six months previously.

We spoke to the defender, who has maintained a close connection to the city of Munich, not only because of his promotion with the lions (2018) and his friendship with colleagues from 1860 and Türkgücü.

Aaron, 1860, Türkgücü, Viktoria Cologne and now Verl. Will you become a migratory bird in your late 20s?

Berzel:

(laughs) Well, you have to see where you are.

Sometimes it goes faster than you think - and there is a surprising separation like at my last station in Cologne.

First I was a regular player, then I didn't play the last five games and was completely out of the game.

I could have waited out my contract, but I'd rather play for Verl now, at a very likeable, quiet club that made a lot of effort to look after me.

And on the subject of Wandervogel: I have signed until 2023 – with an option for another year.

Rumors of liquidity bottlenecks and deduction of points - Berzel surprised

They now live in Oer-Erkenschwick and will also build a house there.

Does that also remove you emotionally from Munich, where you felt very comfortable with your young family?

Berzel:

Yes, we still have a lot of friends in Munich, also outside of football, so there's still a lot of contact there.

Sometimes we sit at home and think: oh, somehow we miss life there.

The time will never be forgotten either - for the simple reason that Nael (Hawaiian for "son of the lion"/ed.) was born here a year ago.

Munich remains a milestone in our lives.

Your former clubs Türkgücü and TSV 1860 will play against each other on Saturday

Berzel:

I think it's just the small city derby - but there's still a lot of explosiveness in it, as you saw last season.

One of my boys is also playing at Türkgücü: Sercan Sararer.

And at 1860 I'm still writing with Merveille (Biankadi) and Molli (Quirin Moll).

We surprised him in his sleep, tied him up and let him go up and down twice in the elevator.

He wasn't tortured, nor did he lie helplessly screaming for help in fear of death.

It bothers Leon himself how it was portrayed – he contacted us and was outraged that he came across as a sensitive little thing who couldn't defend himself.

Aaron Berzel on an elevator prank with ex-teammate Klassen.

The time at Türkgücü is probably more present, but you were promoted to the 3rd division in 1860.

Who are you crossing your fingers for?

Berzel:

Of course I'm pro 1860. I think everyone knows my connection to this club - especially since Türkgücü is one of Verl's competitors and is in the bottom third of the table with us.

So it wouldn't be bad for us if the three points went to 1860.

For Türkgücü it is the first game of 2022, the first under Andreas Heraf, the fifth coach last year.

intense, right?

Berzel:

What can I say?

I don't think it's easy for any team in the world when there are so many changes - because the players were brought in especially for a coach who has a certain idea of ​​​​football.

Heraf stands for a defensive-oriented philosophy, for results football.

Can that work with Türkgücü?

Berzel:

I don't know the coach enough for that - and I don't know whether they are still bringing in players or whether they trust in the existing squad.

Basically, I think that such a defensive approach can work in the 3rd division.

Another buddy of yours, Petar Sliskovic, was handed over to Wehen Wiesbaden.

Did that surprise you?

Berzel:

I've known for a while that he was a bit on the sidelines.

I'm happy for Petar that he has found such an ambitious, well-managed club.

Wouldn't that have been one for 1860 as well, as a successor to Mölders?

Berzel:

Yes, absolutely.

Petar is a striker who has always scored goals.

Have you been following the last two 1860 games?

Berzel:

I saw the game in the DFB Cup in the conference (0-1 against Karlsruhe/Red.), but not in the league against Wehen (3-2).

But I think when you turn a game after being 2-0 down, that speaks for the team.

Did you wonder how quickly Sascha Mölders separated in December?

Berzel: Definitely

.

Everyone knows that Sascha and I are very good friends.

That's why it was very, very surprising for me.

You shouldn't forget what Sascha has done for this club for six years.

He deserved a nicer farewell.

By the way, I also wanted to clarify something about Leon Klassen.

.

.

You mean the story of his unwilling elevator ride?

Berzel:

Exactly, first of all it happened in Biero's time. And secondly, there were a lot more players involved than Sascha and I, even a few from the staff. Everyone on the team knows it was all for fun. We surprised him in his sleep, tied him up and let him go up and down twice in the elevator. He wasn't tortured, nor did he lie helplessly screaming for help in fear of death. It bothers Leon himself how it was portrayed – he contacted us and was outraged that he came across as a sensitive little thing who couldn't defend himself. We all like the Leon - and we also thought that he deserved more playing time. Such jokes are part of football - everyone who has anything to do with it knows that.

But I assume that both clubs will hold the class.

Aaron Berzel on the prospects for the second half of the season for Türkgücü and TSV 860.

Back to sports, to the table of the 3rd league.

Where do your former Munich clubs end up at the end of the season?

Berzel:

We'll have to wait and see how the next games develop.

But I assume that both clubs will hold the class.

If it doesn't hit Türkgücü financially first.

What do you say to the rumor about the liquidity bottleneck and the deduction of two points?

Berzel:

That surprises me.

Because they are in good financial shape.

I can't say more because I don't know the background.