WERDER.DE: The 2023/24 season saw you earn yourself a spot in goal as the campaign progressed. As a Munich native, the 1-0 win at Bayern München must have been a highlight for you as well.
Michael Zetterer: As a kid, I was at the Allianz Arena on the day it opened and didn’t know what was all still to come. To have kept a clean sheet and won my first ever game at the Allianz Arena, as a Munich native, was something very special. It’s something you dream of, every time you travel to play a game like that. As a team, we delivered an exceptional performance, which is the only way you can be successful in a game like that. It will always be a memory that I enjoy looking back on.
WERDER.DE: You went into this season as the designated number one for the first time in the Bundesliga. Can your somewhat unconventional career path serve as a sort of guide for other goalkeepers?
Michael Zetterer: During that time, I always remembered my goal of one day being the first-choice goalkeeper at Werder Bremen. I’m extremely proud of what I’ve achieved. The path I’ve taken can be an example for young goalkeepers who might have also suffered injuries or had to go on loan to get to where they want to go. The truth is, though, that football is a fast-paced business due to the level of competition, and the path I’ve taken isn’t typical. I hope that I’ve able to continue being successful. I want to be successful here and achieve something with Werder Bremen, something that does justice to the club and the fans.
WERDER.DE: Goalkeeping coach Christian ‘Kiki’ Vander has been a constant companion on your journey here. What role has he played in your career, also with regard to your skills on the ball as a goalkeeper?
Michael Zetterer: I’m very grateful about the open and honest relationship we have and the way he treats me, both as a person and as a goalkeeping coach. He helps me improve and I think that my development is also testament to him as well. This also includes my ability to play as a goalkeeper, which is something that I want to be known for and something that I define myself by as a player. It certainly helped that I was an outfield player for a long time (laughs). I think everything has come together for me at the right time.
Thank you, Zetti!