Marco Bode and Claudio Pizarro have scored 202 Bundesliga goals between them, equally shared with 101 each. In the run-up to Pizarro, Werder’s current top goalscorer, the two got together for a double-interview to celebrate.
Marco Bode and Claudio Pizarro have scored 202 Bundesliga goals between them, equally shared with 101 each. In the run-up to Pizarro, Werder’s current top goalscorer, the two got together for a double-interview to celebrate.
In the second part of this interview, the pair talk about six goals they shared in an emphatic victory, club loyalty and the World Cup as a way to end your career.
WERDER.DE: One game that was very special to both of you was the 7-2 victory over Wolfsburg in 1999. What memories do you have of this game?
Marco Bode: I can remember that we went behind twice in the first half. Raphael Wicky, Ailton and Julio Cesar were in the team and Torsten Frings had a decent haircut. It was my 300th game and I scored. It’s funny; Clemens Fritz also recently played his 300th and also scored. That doesn’t often happen for him.
Claudio Pizarro: That was a great game for us, one I have fond memories of. I was new in Germany and had only heard good things about Wolfsburg. Everyone had said it would be a difficult game but we won 7-2 and we both got hat-tricks. That was my first Bundesliga hat-trick so it was an extra special day for me.
WERDER.DE: Claudio, how have you learned from Marco? Did you pick things up by watching him?
Pizarro: I learned a lot. He was a role model and also a good, experienced player who I just had to pick things up from. He scored so many goals and was always up attacking with you wanting to score.
WERDER.DE: As well as all the goals, you two have been loyal to your club. Marco, you played for Werder your whole career while Pizarro only played for two Bundesliga clubs. Why did you never consider transferring?
Bode: For me it was always the case that I felt very at home here in Bremen and with Werder. I had offers, even one from Uli Hoeneß. But at that time I made it clear that I wouldn’t go to any other club in the Bundesliga. There was a possibility of me going to England at one time but it would have had to be the perfect offer. I nearly went to Liverpool. I definitely wouldn’t have played for another Bundesliga club. For Claudio to have grown an attachment is more exceptional considering he’s South American.
WERDER.DE: Why have you only transferred from Werder to Bayern, Claudio?
Pizarro: I came to Germany from Peru and always tried to get better but I’m also the kind of person who really identifies with the club I’m playing for. I haven’t been at many clubs, just the ones where I’ve really felt at home. That has been the case at Werder and Bayern and I like to keep in contact with the people at the clubs and in the city. That’s something that’s important to me.
WERDER.DE: There is one way in which you are different as players. Marco ended his career at 32, whereas Claudio is still playing. What was the deciding factor for this decision and, having seen Claudio, what do you think it could have been like if you had continued?
Bode: I’ve had these thoughts myself in recent weeks (laughs). No, I’m still happy with my decision. It’s a bit like Fritz at the moment but he’s older than I was. I wanted to go out with a bang and I had the World Cup as the final thing I did. I’m glad I did it in this way. My body and mind had given me small signals and that’s when it’s important to move on to something new.
WERDER.DE: Claudio, where do you get your motivation to continue on like this?
Pizarro: That’s always an individual and personal decision. I’m feeling good at the moment. My goal is to play at the 2018 World Cup. As long as my body holds up I’ll keep going.
WERDER.DE: Let’s look forward. Is there a player that could put your record under threat, or wants to?
Bode: I always like to see players develop at Werder, stay at the club and get lots of goals. Why not Tony Ujah or Johannes Eggestein? I think that even if Pizarro gets another ten goals or so, a striker who is at the club ten years should be able to manage it.
WERDER.DE: What does the future have in store for you Claudio?
Pizarro: I can imagine ending my career after the World Cup, but I’m not sure exactly. Whatever I do I’ll still always be connected with football.
