DF: Mr. Bierhoff, you are in Thessaloniki for the Hellenic Football Federation’s centenary celebrations. What does it mean to you to attend such an event?

R/: "It is a great pleasure to be here, alongside people who truly love football and, above all, close to the children. Marking 100 years since the founding of a federation is a significant milestone. It is not just about what happened in the past, but also about what needs to be built for the future.

The 'Football in Schools' program is particularly valuable because it introduces children to the sport and its principles. Football is not just about competition and results; it is about education, cooperation, respect, and social interaction. We all have a responsibility to nurture and protect this."

DF: The German national team is embarking on a new journey with Jürgen Klopp. What do you expect from this partnership?

R/: “Jürgen Klopp is a coach with a strong personality, vast experience, and a clear footballing philosophy. Germany did not perform as well as it had hoped at the last World Cup, and now it needs a fresh start." "Klopp can restore energy, intensity, and confidence to the team. He has a gift for forging a very strong bond between the players, the team, and the fans. He doesn't focus solely on tactics; he manages to get people to believe in a shared vision. That is crucial for the German national team right now.”

DF: Greece will be Germany's second opponent, on September 27th in Augsburg. What kind of match do you expect?

R/: "It will be a major and interesting challenge. Germany will be playing in front of their home crowd and will want to showcase—right from the start—the new identity Klopp is aiming to build. On the other hand, Greece has a strong tradition, tactical discipline, and players capable of causing problems for any opponent.

There are no easy matches at this level. Germany will need to stay focused, impose their tempo, and not let Greece settle into a comfort zone. The outcome will be decided by intensity, efficiency, and how each team handles the critical moments."

DF: Is Germany still the favorite to top the group?

R/: “Yes, absolutely. Based on quality, squad depth, and the options available to them, Germany is the favorite. However, that doesn't mean they can afford to underestimate any opponent." "The Netherlands is a very strong team, with an excellent footballing pedigree and key players. Serbia boasts technically gifted and creative players and has traditionally caused problems for Germany. Greece, too, is a team that knows how to play with organization and cohesion. It is a tough group, where any dropped points could prove costly.”

DF: Who are the players capable of spearheading the German team's renewal?

R/: "German football possesses immense talent. Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz are two players of exceptional quality and imagination, with the ability to change the tempo of a match. They can form the core of the team for years to come.

However, there are other young players vying for their chance as well. One of them is Said El Mala from FC Köln. Klopp isn't afraid to put his faith in talent, provided he sees it accompanied by hard work, discipline, and a drive to improve. Revamping a squad requires courage, but it must be done within a stable.....competitive framework.”

DF: Two very significant Greek talents, Giannis Konstantelias and Konstantinos Karetsas, are now playing for Borussia Dortmund. What is your opinion?

R/: “I haven’t watched the two players enough yet, so it wouldn’t be right for me to express a fully formed opinion. I know there is a lot of interest surrounding them and that they are considered major talents in Greek football.

Dortmund is a club that offers opportunities to young players, but at the same time, it has very high standards. They will need time, patience, and hard work. Once I have a better and more complete picture of their performances, I’ll be able to speak more specifically.”

DF: In your opinion, which player deserves to win the Ballon d'Or?

R/: “My choice is Harry Kane. He is playing at a very high level with Bayern Munich, scoring consistently, and having a huge impact on his team's game.

He isn’t just a center-forward who waits for the ball inside the box. He participates in the build-up play, creates space, links up with his teammates, and steps up during difficult moments. His consistency and effectiveness are impressive.” "I believe his overall performance makes him worthy of the Ballon d'Or."

DF: You are surely following the major dispute between FIFA and UEFA. Which side do you think should prevail?

R/: "I believe that, for the good of football, UEFA's approach should prevail. FIFA's recent actions do not serve the best interests of the sport. Football is already a massive commercial product, but at the same time, it is an asset belonging to the entire football family.

It does not belong to a single president, an administration, or a select group of investors. It belongs to the clubs, the federations, the players, and—above all—the people who love it in every corner of the globe.

Transparency, cooperation, and responsibility are essential. Decisions cannot be made solely based on financial gain. If public trust is lost, then football will have lost something far more important than money."

DF: Do you fear that excessive commercialization might alter the character of the sport?

R/: “That risk exists. Of course, modern football needs revenue to grow and to support competitions, academies, and smaller federations. However, a balance must be maintained." "We cannot keep adding more matches, larger tournaments, and new commercial obligations without considering the consequences. We must protect the players, the quality of the spectacle, and the fans' relationship with the sport. If football drifts away from its grassroots, it risks losing its soul.”

Oliver Bierhoff knows well that great moments are often born in a matter of seconds. In the Euro 1996 final against the Czech Republic (2-1), he came on as a substitute and changed history: he equalized in the 73rd minute and, in the 95th minute, scored the "golden goal" that secured the European trophy for Germany.

His path, however, was not paved with glory from the start. He failed to establish himself in Germany as he had dreamed, so he sought his fortune in Austria and subsequently in Italy. From Ascoli and Udinese, he moved to AC Milan, where he won the league title, scoring 20 goals and forming—alongside George Weah—one of the most formidable attacking duos of the era. With over 188 goals scored for nine clubs across four different leagues, and a lifetime spent in football, he is now able to look beyond the outcome of next Sunday’s match. For him, the real challenge isn't just about a victory for Germany, UEFA, or any specific team; it is about safeguarding the sport itself.

And on September 27, in Augsburg, against Greece, Bierhoff will be looking for the first clear signs of the Germany side envisioned by Jürgen Klopp—a team called upon not merely to return to winning ways, but to rediscover its true identity.