Guillem Balague, a renowned football journalist specializing in Spanish football, and Julien Laurens, an expert on European football, are joined by Mael Corboz, captain of Arminia Bielefeld. They explore Bielefeld's incredible journey to the German Cup final after shocking Bayer Leverkusen. Max Aarons shares insights about his loan move to Valencia and adjusting to life in Spain. The trio also discusses dramatic moments in the Copa del Rey, highlighting thrilling matches and the emotional rollercoasters fan experience.
Arminia Bielefeld's captain Mael Corboz emphasized the critical role of mental preparation and belief in achieving their unexpected victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
Max Aarons shared insights on his loan experience at Valencia, reflecting on the impact of his home club's impressive season amidst his decision to move abroad.
Deep dives
Bielefeld's Stunning Victory
Armenia Bielefeld achieved a remarkable feat by defeating the Bundesliga champions, Bayer Leverkusen, securing a spot in the German Cup final. The match, which ended in a shocking 2-1 victory, showcased Bielefeld's determination and resilience despite being a third-tier team. Their captain, Myle Corbett, expressed disbelief at their success and emphasized the crucial mental preparation before facing a formidable opponent like Leverkusen. The team's past victories over other Bundesliga clubs boosted their confidence, allowing them to approach the match with the mindset that they had nothing to lose.
The Mentality Shift
Corbett highlighted the importance of a strong mental approach in competitive matches, particularly in knockout scenarios. He mentioned that each player needed to mentally commit to the idea of victory, which encourages the entire team to play cohesively and positively. The captain's mantra of having fun while accepting mistakes fostered a sense of strength among the teammates. By highlighting past successes against top-tier teams, the squad felt empowered to play assertively rather than defensively.
A Surreal Experience
Stepping onto the pitch among football legends was described as surreal by Corbett, who recalled various moments of awe during the match. He noted the thrill of being on the field against renowned players, mentioning interactions with stars such as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Granit Xhaka. Corbett's perspective on the game was intensified by the significance of competing against such high-caliber athletes. The experience of facing giants of the sport transformed a typical match into an unforgettable highlight of his career.
Bielefeld's Journey and Future Aspirations
Armenia Bielefeld faces the daunting task of remaining competitive in their league while also attempting to secure a cup victory. Corbett discussed the historical struggles of the club, including past relegations and a fluctuating fan base. The upcoming cup final represents the pinnacle of achievement and hope for the team, especially given their turbulent history. The captain expressed that regardless of the outcome, reaching this stage is a testament to the team's character and hard work, embodying the belief that success is born from persistence.
Steve Crossman is joined by Guillem Balague, Julien Laurens and James Horncastle to delve into this week’s top European football stories. The Arminia Bielefeld captain, Mael Corboz, joins the pod as his side shocked Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday to reach the German DFB Pokal Cup final. There’s also an appearance from Max Aarons, who’s on loan at Valencia from Bournemouth. He tells us about his decision to move to Spain and how he feels about his home club having such a great season. Plus, the team discuss the drama of the Copa del Rey.
TIME CODES:
01:24 Arminia Bielefeld captain, Mael Corboz.
18:41 Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey
23:20 Valencia defender, Max Aarons.
33:06 Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey
34:35 An almost upset for Dunkerque
Commentaries this weekend:
Friday 4th April
WOMENS NATIONS LEAGUE: England v Belgium 2000 KO on 5 Live,
WOMENS NATONS LEAGUE: Wales v Denmark 1915 KO on the BBC Sport website.
Saturday 5th April
PREMIER LEAGUE: Crystal Palace v Brighton 1500 KO on 5 Live,
PREMIER LEAGUE: Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest 1730 KO on 5 Live.
Sunday 6th April
PREMIER LEAGUE: Fulham v Liverpool 1400 KO on 5 Live,
PREMIER LEAGUE: Brentford v Chelsea 1400 KO on Sports Extra,
PREMIER LEAGUE: Spurs v Southampton 1400 KO on the BBC Sport website,
PREMIER LEAGUE: Manchester United v Manchester City 1630 KO on 5 Live.
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