Miscellaneous

Borussia Dortmund has been riding a wave of success in the TTBL for weeks and, after five consecutive victories, is knocking on the door of the play-offs. In this interview, Dortmund's Swedish star player Kristian Karlsson talks about the significance of the sensational victory against 1. FC Saarbrücken-TT, the importance of BVB for the entire city of Dortmund and his future with the Black and Yellows.

Kristian Karlsson, your team Borussia Dortmund is the only club in the TTBL with five consecutive victories and is the team of the moment. Have you been celebrating a lot lately?

No, we haven't celebrated that much. But of course you can really say that the last few games have gone pretty well for us, and we're obviously happy about every win because we want to perform as well as possible. The momentum is on our team's side right now, partly because Adam Szudi has proven that he's a really strong Bundesliga player, not only in doubles, as is well known, but also in singles.

Of the five victories, the 3:2 win against 1. FC Saarbrücken-TT was the most spectacular success. What was the decisive factor in this match?

It's difficult to name one specific factor that was decisive in this match. But I will always remember how much fun we had playing in front of such a large crowd for the first time as a team. Of course, it was also something special for me to play against Fan Zhendong. The fact that we won against Saarbrücken with Fan Zhendong without our top player Anders Lind makes the result even more valuable for us.

You played against your brother-in-law Patrick Franziska again in this match and won this time. Is this generally a topic of fun banter or jokes in your family for several days afterwards, even if you lose?

Yes, there's always banter when we play each other. “Franz” had won our last four matches, so I had to listen to a lot, even though I was always close. But I'm glad I was finally able to beat him again, partly because now I can tease him a bit for the next few days. But seriously, it's fun to play against him, he's a beloved member of the family.

Whose side is your sister Frida on in games like this? Does she root for her husband Patrick Franziska or for you?

I think Frida probably doesn't cheer for anyone. Okay, maybe a little bit for Patrick, but that's totally fine, he is the father of her children after all. But no, overall Frida is completely neutral and always comforts the one of us who lost first.

Against Saarbrücken, you suffered your only defeat without winning a single set against Fan Zhendong. Since the whole TTBL community is talking about Fan Zhendong, what do you think makes Fan such a special player?

It's difficult to single out one thing. Fan is probably the greatest player of all time after Ma Long. He's an absolutely complete player and it's fun to watch him play. It's wonderful to have him in the Bundesliga.

In sport, there are always successes that pave the way for clubs. Was BVB's victory against Saarbrücken one such victory?

No, I don't think so. Of course, it's great to beat one of the top favourites for the title, but even that only earns us two points. We fight for those two points in every game because we want the best possible final result, and we are well on our way to achieving a new record for Dortmund in the final table. Every game is important for that.

You are now eight points clear of the relegation zone and level on points with the fourth-placed team. Have you already discussed the play-offs as a new goal for the season internally?

Our new goal, if you like, is to achieve the highest possible ranking. Every place counts, because it allows us to show what we are capable of, and then it's easier to set ourselves a higher goal for the next season. We just want to keep climbing higher and higher.

You are playing your first season in Dortmund and are in a positive position. Do your results so far meet your expectations?

Yes, I think my results are really in line with expectations. Not outstandingly good, but not very bad either – normal, I would say. The 1-0 in the doubles is good, but I could contribute even more to our doubles if we had to play with our full team in the doubles.

The second half of the season is always the time for personnel decisions. Will you still be playing for Borussia Dortmund next season?

We are in negotiations for the next few years. But I see myself playing for Dortmund for a long time to come.

BVB generally has a reputation as a very emotional club, especially among its football fans, of course. Can you feel that in table tennis too?

You definitely feel that the whole city lives and breathes the club and the team. When you wear the jersey or the club kit, people cheer you on, no matter what sport you play. It's a cool feeling to be part of such a fundamental part of Dortmund.

Have you been able to attend a BVB football match at the stadium this season?

Unfortunately not yet. We are trying to coordinate our schedules, but that is easier said than done. However, if the opportunity arises, we will definitely take advantage of it.

Thank you very much for talking to us, Kristian Karlsson.

Florian Manzke