Matthias Sammer, Ballon d’Or winner in 1996: “That birthday with Totò was unforgettable. I was happy at Inter, then Pancev became a starter and I ended up in the stands…”
He’s not listed in the organizational chart, but important decisions also go through him. Matthias Sammer, 58, won a Champions League with Borussia Dortmund as a player, in the final against Juventus, and a league title as a coach, in addition to two on the field. “I’m an external consultant for the club. I offer my many years of experience gained over 40 years, not without results, as a player, coach, and manager.” In Dortmund, he grew up in the GDR and Dinamo Dresden, then after reunification he was brought to the West by Stuttgart, arriving from Inter. He was still playing as an attacking midfielder before becoming a Ballon d’Or-winning sweeper. He was the German successor to the Matthäus-Brehme-Klinsmann trio, but it didn’t last long.
Good morning, Mr. Sammer, what do you remember about your brief love affair with Inter?
“First of all, our daughter’s first birthday at the end of September, which we celebrated in Cernobbio. Toto Schillaci was also with us, who sadly passed away a year and a half ago. Overall, I still love Milan, as well as Italy, and I have only wonderful memories of that period, even if it was short. The matches at the San Siro stadium with the fantastic Inter fans also remain unforgettable for me.“
What didn’t work?
”Actually, everything worked: back then, in the 1992/93 season, I scored four goals for Inter in my first seven league games. We were all happy. Then there were the serious injuries to Fontolan and Schillaci. Because of this, Darko Pancev, the fourth foreign player, suddenly went from the stands to the starting lineup. But since only three foreign players per team were allowed on the field at the time, I suddenly found myself out. And for me, that situation was unsustainable. I knew I had to play to continue my growth. So the only option was to leave Inter. The then president Ernesto Pellegrini fought to keep me, and it was very difficult for me too. But leaving Inter to go to Dortmund was the right decision.”
Inter and Borussia have a chance to reach the round of 16
Matthias Sammer
12 appearances and 4 goals with Inter
Apart from the goal against Juve, did you take anything positive away from that six-month experience in the summer of ’92?
“Despite the short period, I only have positive memories. Inter is a great club, with a great tradition, training facilities, fans, and staff: simply wonderful. I still follow all of Inter’s games today.”
Let’s move on to the present day. Inter and Borussia Dortmund have played in the last three Champions League finals without winning. What are they missing? Is the gap with the top clubs too big?
“Being able to play in the finals is a great achievement. It shows the strength of Inter and Borussia Dortmund in European football.”
Do you like this new Champions League format?
” I think it’s fantastic, every game has become more interesting. With this new format, there are no more ‘wasted’ league games. The Champions League is full of suspense and twists and turns until the last round. Inter and Borussia also have the chance to reach the round of 16 in their own hands.”
In your debut as a coach in the Bundesliga, you finished third in your first year, then won the title. Cristian Chivu is also making his debut in Serie A. What are the difficulties for a young coach at a top club, and what advice can you give him?
“I think that both in the league and in the Champions League, Inter’s style is recognizable in their 3-5-2 system. Cristian Chivu is continuing this development in an excellent way. He is doing a great job as Inter coach, and that is actually the biggest compliment you can give him.“
Sammer played for Borussia Dortmund from January 1993 until the end of the 1997-98 season.
Can you compare the level of the Bundesliga and Serie A? Are they almost the same, or do you see differences?
” Actually, that’s a topic we could discuss intensively for the next hour. So, in short: Serie A is offensive and attractive, as Inter’s 6-2 win over Pisa last weekend shows.”
Are both leagues far behind the Premier League? Is it just a question of money?
” Money is certainly an important factor in getting good players and good coaches. But it’s no guarantee: with these players and coaches, you also have to do a first-class job. Nevertheless, every country has to find its own way. For this reason, comparisons between Italy, Germany, and England are only possible to a limited extent.”
Who will be the favorite between Borussia and Inter, and what kind of game do you expect?
“I’ll be at the stadium, I can’t wait. Actually, I would like to see both teams win the three points. There is no favorite. Both teams are on equal footing. I expect a high-level, intense game and I hope – may the Italian fans forgive me – that Borussia Dortmund will prevail…”.
