“I’ll never forget that moment”

Naldo needs no introduction. As a true Bundesliga legend who made 254 appearances for Werder Bremen and 163 for VfL Wolfsburg, the Brazilian is the perfect expert to speak to ahead of the teams’ clash on Saturday. The two-time DFB Cup winner talks in an interview about his two ex-clubs, new Wolves coach Ralph Hasenhüttl and his best moment with VfL.

Naldo, you played for Bremen and Wolfsburg – who are you supporting on Saturday?

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Naldo: “I feel great affection for both clubs and follow them closely. I carry both clubs in my heart, so I’ll be diplomatic and say that the better team deserves to win.”

VfL Wolfsburg haven’t lived up to expectations this season. After the last match against Augsburg, Niko Kovac was relieved of his duties and replaced as coach by Ralph Hasenhüttl. What do you make of this decision?

Naldo: “At VfL Wolfsburg, you always have the expectation of playing in Europe. Some things will change now with the new coach. The players who haven’t had as many chances now have a new opportunity to prove themselves and their worth to the club. VfL need to ensure survival as soon as possible and then quickly put this season behind them.”

You were an important part of a very successful Wolfsburg side. What do you think is crucial to a team being successful?

Naldo: “In my opinion, it’s crucial that you have leaders in a team. The experienced players have the job of taking responsibility and imparting the joint path to the young players. The daily communication within the squad is therefore very important. In my time, players discussed things in the dressing room – including and particularly after defeats. What’s said in the dressing room should stay in the dressing room. That internal communication is essential and also makes the coach’s job easier.”

You played and lived in Germany for over 14 years. What is ‘typical German’ for you?

Naldo: “(laughs) Punctuality is certainly typical German. That’s a trait that was already very important for me in Brazil, although Brazilians in general aren’t known for punctuality. In my opinion, this trait is a form of respect. Furthermore, Germans are considered to be very correct. By that I mean that what is said is true and you can rely on a promise. In Brazil, I’ve always heard that Germans are cool and reserved. Even though that may be cultural, my own experience is that many people in Germany are reserved at first and open up as you get to know each other better. Germany will always have a place in my heart.”

You also scored a few goals for VfL in your career. Is there one goal that you remember fondly?

Naldo: “I think back very fondly to my goal against Frankfurt [in 2014]. It was a shot from a good 35 metres out. It was particularly nice because it was a winner in the dying minutes. I still remember how Ricardo Rodriguez set me up and I hit the ball into the corner. I’ll never forget that moment.”