Hello Tiago, you secured UEFA Champions League qualification on the final day of the Bundesliga season. How much added momentum does that give you for the DFB Cup final?
Tiago Tomás: “We’re very happy that we reached the Champions League, it’s fulfilled a big dream for us as a team. It gives us a good feeling for the final on Saturday. We’ll be very focused and are looking forward to this highlight to end the season.”
How do you perceive the mood in the camp before this final?
Tiago Tomás: “We’ve managed to combine focus with a sense of ease. In theory it’s similar to the Bundesliga run-in, where we also held our nerve. Bayern are the strongest team in Germany and are also among the top teams in Europe. We know how difficult the task is. We have to produce a virtually perfect performance if we want to have a chance.”
The Olympiastadion in Berlin is sold out, the fans will be adding to the atmosphere with a special tifo – what kind of crowd are you expecting at the final?
Tiago Tomás: “The VfB fans very often provide immense support, and it will certainly be fantastic again at the final. It’s a kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience, even though several of my teammates and certainly lots of fans are going to their second final in a row. I’m really looking forward to the whole backdrop and the atmosphere.”
You helped VfB on their way to Berlin with your winner in the DFB Cup semi-final against Freiburg. What memories do you have of that moment?
Tiago Tomás: “It was unbelievable – I’d even call it one of the best moments of my career so far. The emotions, the celebration with my teammates in front of the fans… It was crazy. And now we want to follow it up with something really great.”
