An interview with Robert Tesche, by Ben McFadyean for WFi.
With Nottingham Forest guaranteed a spot in the top 7, they are guaranteed a place in European competition next season. What are your impressions of their progress in the Premier League this season?
“It was not necessarily foreseeable that they might be flirting with a spot in the Big 5 — the performances may have surprised some, but the potential was always there. Of course, it’s great what the club are achieving.”
Nottingham Forest have won the European Cup twice. Can they reach the Champions League under Nuno Espírito Santo?
“They still have a couple of games to go and Champions League is still possible, they are one of the best teams in the league this season... European competition is where they belong.”
What is special about Nottingham as a place, and what significance does the club’s new success have for the people there?
“The club has fans all over the world, not just in Nottingham, who are cheering for them. After so many years, it’s very important, especially for the younger generation of fans who have never seen this level of success.
“It will, of course, be a highlight with European Cup games at the City Ground. It’s a boost for the club and the city.”
You played under manager Stuart Pearce, he was an incredible player with total determination, he earned his nickname ‘psycho’ at times with his over-commitment, and was admired and feared as a player alike. What is Stuart like as a coach? Did the players use the nickname for the manager?
“No, we wouldn’t dare call him Psycho (laughs…), the opposite in fact, we always showed respect.
“Stuart is a legendary player, and it is something special to play under him.
“As a manager, he’s very calm and level-headed. Stuart is demanding and a really good coach.”
Which match experience do you have special memories of playing with Forest?
“The one that stands out for me is the game at Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup, despite the loss (3-1), the Spurs training facilities were absolutely top, playing at White Hart Lane, the intensity in the stadium, an incredible experience.”
After the recent promotion to the Championship, what do you think your former club, Birmingham City, can achieve with major investor Tom Brady in place?
“Birmingham is, of course, a big football city, and they will consolidate their position there.
“Playing with The Blues, the first season, when I played regularly, was especially memorable for me.”
What is the main difference between German and English football? Is it fair to say there is much more physicality in the game in England?
“English football has a lot of physicality, of course, the famous kick and rush is also not a myth, the referees also let a lot more go through, you have to be prepared for that. There’s also less contact with the fans, for example, there is very seldom training with fans present – that’s very different to Germany.”
What is the main difference between the fans in England and Germany?
“In England, actions like tackles on the pitch are celebrated. The chants are adapted to them, the fans are very creative and come up with new songs that are humorous, and everyone joins in.
“It’s less of the constant chants and support you get in Germany. It’s a unique atmosphere.”
You are now at VfL Osnabrück. It has been a very difficult season with the club flirting with relegation for much of the season, but you are staying up. What qualities give VfL the edge?
“We have the quality in the side and the determination for the 3. Liga and more, our fans here at the ‘Brücke’ (Bremer Brücke stadium) are also our great strength.”
Robert Tesche plays as a midfielder for German 3. Liga club VfL Osnabrück, which he joined at the start of last season.
Having spent his formative years with Arminia Bielefeld, Tesche was signed by Bruno Labbadia for Hamburger SV for a €1m transfer fee in 2009, making his debut in the Europa League third qualifying round in a 4-0 away win at Danish club Randers FC, in a season in which the club reached the semifinals. The Wismar-born player made 63 appearances in the top tier with HSV.
In 2013, he joined Fortuna Düsseldorf, who were newly-promoted to the Bundesliga. Following relegation at the end of the season, he accepted an offer to move to England to play for Nottingham Forest in 2014.
Tesche made his Forest debut in the 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town in the EFL League Cup in August of the same year. He soon established himself in the Stuart Pearce-managed team. Making 46 appearances, he was awarded Player Of The Month in December 2014.
Following the arrival of new manager Dougie Freedman, he spent the latter part of the 2014–15 season on loan at Birmingham City. He signed a 3-year deal with them in 2016. Tesche remained at the City ground until the end of the 2017-18 season.
Later that season, he joined VFL Bochum on loan and signed permanently there in July 2018. He made 100 appearances for the Ruhrstadion-based club. In 20-21, he played a crucial role in the club securing the 2. Bundesliga title that season under manager Thomas Reis. He scored 12 goals for the club.
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