Ahead of Stuttgart's home game against Borussia Dortmund, www.vfb.de spoke with Marc Ziegler, who is currently filling in between the posts for the league's third placed side whilst Roman Weidenfeller recovers from a knee injury.
The 33 year old goalkeeper spoke about the young BVB team, the run of twelve games without defeat, his own future and his time at VfB Stuttgart.
Hello Marc, at the moment the young BVB team is seriously causing a stir in the Bundesliga. How do you explain the run of twelve games without defeat?
Marc Ziegler: "At the moments it's all just clicking together for us and we are putting the trainer's plans into action very well. In addition, the atmosphere within the team is very good. Each success brings even more self-confidence."
On Sunday you will be playing against your first professional club. Are games against VfB something special for you and what memories do you connect with Stuttgart?
Marc Ziegler: "Up to now, my longest period at any professional club was in Stuttgart. It was a wonderful and successful time, during which we made both the UEFA Cup and DFB Cup finals. Aside from that, my wife is from Stuttgart, so we are regularly there to visit relatives. Sunday it's all about three points though, no more and no less."
Do you intend to finish your playing career at Borussia?
Marc Ziegler: "It's still a bit early to say that yet - I feel really fit! BVB is definitely a club that you could end your career at though. I feel totally at home here."
At the end of the season, Jens Lehmann is expected to finish his playing career at VfB. Can Sven Ulreich or Aleander Stolz fill the number 1 position?
Marc Ziegler: "From a distance that's difficult to judge but from what I've seen so far they have plenty of potential. Both are very talented. With a bit of time and the correct support, great things can develop there. Goalkeepers always need time and support - that's totally normal."
On Sunday two sides will clash that have started the second half of the season well. What sort of game are you expecting?
Marc Ziegler: "VfB have begun to show just the opposite of what they displayed earlier in the campaign. It will be a clash of two physically strong teams that are both well organised. It will certainly be an interesting game."
