
Name: Serdar Tasci
Nationality : Germany
Date of birth : 24/04/1987
Current club : » Stuttgart
Position : Defence
Height : 1.86 m
Weight : 75 kg
Interview with Serdar Tasci - Stuttgarter Nachrichten, 16th December 2006 (translated version)
Mr. Tasci, you are leading superior in the grade-ranking of our newspaper. Even if you lose the first position in Cottbus, you will be the climber of the year from VFB.
Serdar Tasci: That's a great honour for me, thank you very much.
No reason to thank us, you were responsible for your performances.
Serdar Tasci: I think what I've shown was ok. It went very well..hmm..let's say well.
Your fast advancement was even for Coach Armin Veh unexpected. And for the public more than ever. Could you at least expect that development?
Serdar Tasci: Honestly, no. Before this year, I did not even think about playing time. I would have been happy to be in the squad at all. And suddenly I was a starter! This round was just beautiful.
With your advancement, we are sure that your demands have changed.
Serdar Tasci: I think it's clear that I'm not satisfied with a place on the bench anymore. It would be a disappointment if I don't get some playing time regularly.
You have just one problem...
Serdar Tasci: Which is?
Fernando Meira and Matthieu Delpierre are playing on the centre-back position. One can't have a stronger competition in the Bundesliga.
Serdar Tasci: I know. But that cannot be a reason to resign...
Lastly, Veh has diplomatically reacted on the oversupply. He did not take you out of the team since the comeback of Meira, but he led you play as a Rightback. But it's not your dream position.
Serdar Tasci: Let's say it this way: It's not my greatest strenght to play on the wings and pass the ball from there. That's why my aim is to get back as fast as possible on the Centreback position.
And who shall give way?
Serdar Tasci (smiles): ah you know, as soon as Fernando Meira is completely fit, he would be a great addition for our midfield.
And if you still had to play on the right wing?
Serdar Tasci: That would just boost my motivation. But I'm not thinking about that. My aim for the next round is clear: I want to assure my starting place, if possible on my best position (centreback).
Regarding the national team, you could have advanced faster. Turkey lured you with a starting place in their A-team. But you have decided to play for Germany - and the more stony way with the youth teams of the DFB.
Serdar Tasci: The decision was very difficult. It is a decision for the whole life.
What was crucial?
Serdar Tasci: I'm still proud of my Turkish roots. But I was born in Esslingen and grew up in Altbach and I feel very well here.
Let's be honest: In what way did sporting reasons play a role?
Serdar Tasci: It was definitely a reason too that the chances are higher to play in a great tournament with the German national team or even get the title.
You were torn for a long time. Who did in the end convince you to play for the DFB-team?
Serdar Tasci: That was an old acquaintance: Matthias Sammer. He was with us in England for the U21-match. He spoke to me in the plane and convinced me.
And your parents can live with that?
Serdar Tasci: That wasn't a problem. They said: "Boy, this is your decision. No matter what comes out of it, we stand behind you."
Where does your family come from?
Serdar Tasci: From Artvin near the black sea. My parents came to Germany 30 years ago, but part of my relatives still live in Turkey.
Can they watch your performances in TV there?
Serdar Tasci: Not every match is broadcast - but I was lucky until now. My two goals against Dortmund and Schalke were broadcast in Turkish television.
Do you get fan-post from Turkey?
Serdar Tasci: Yes. It is still something special when a player plays in a Top-League. Many people there though my decision was correct, some others were sad.
And what do you say to those disappointed turkish fans?
Serdar Tasci: I promise them that I will represent turkey well in the jersey of the German national team. I think of myself as a link to both cultures. That's a nice mission, isn't it?"