An interview with Ulm 1846 kitman Emilio Tancredi, by Ben McFadyean.
Emilio Tancredi, born in Salerno, near Naples in Southern Italy, joined 2. Bundesliga club SSV Ulm 1846 in season 1964/65.
Now the kitman of the South-West Germany-based club, Emilio has worked his way up from checking tickets to kitman, which he has been for over 15 years. Now, at the ripe old age of 90, he carries out his duties part-time.
Emilio has never been paid for his service for the club known as ‘Die Spatzen’ (The Sparrows), but he “sometimes gets a couple of free tickets.”
SSV Ulm plays at the picturesque Donaustadion or Danube Stadium, which has a capacity of 19,500. Former Hansa Rostock striker Robert Lechleiter coaches the club. The club was promoted to the second tier at the end of season 23/24 as champions of the 3. Liga.
In 1999, under the now-Austrian national team head coach Ralf Rangnick, the club was promoted for the first time to the Bundesliga but was relegated, having finished 16th at the end of the season.
The interview was carried out on the south stand of the stadium following the crucial 1-0 win over promotion contenders 1 FC Magdeburg.
Emilio, how did you come to be with the club?
“I came as a factory worker from Italy and wanted to be part of the culture and integrate into Germany. Like all Italians, I loved football, so I knew I would fit in well at the SSV Ulm. I have now been with the club in one way or another for over half a century.”
At 90, almost everyone is thinking about putting their feet up, but if you are still active and at a high level, what do you attribute your stamina and good health to?
“Well, I eat a lot of vegetables and fruit, predominantly a Mediterranean diet, olives, tomatoes, and fish. I don’t eat much red meat, and I always have a glass of red wine at lunchtime, although I don’t drink much alcohol, beer, or similar. Red wine is good for the heart, though. I also encourage the players at the club to eat a healthy diet.”
Your wife, Rosa, is also here today, and I saw that she brought home-baked cakes that some of the staff, including players, are having after the game. Is that the secret to a successful marriage: working together and having the same interests?
“Yes, you are right. From the outset, my wife said, ‘Whatever you want to do at the club, I will be there with you.’ That was what was needed because I always knew I would have to choose between a happy marriage and the football club. Thankfully, my wife has stood by me and also takes part in the life of the club.”
You are now the kit man at the club; what was your progression at SSV?
“I worked checking tickets for over thirty years and was only promoted to kit man in the 1990s, but I have done a bit of everything at the club. It’s like a second home for me and my wife.”
What are your special memories with the club?
“For me, the promotions were all very special, but of course, promotion to the Bundesliga was incredible. On the less positive side, the club going bankrupt in 2011 was a painful experience every time. The pain and sadness among the fans and then having to start again were incredibly sad experiences, but they also brought us together as a community even stronger.”
The club was promoted to the Bundesliga in 1999. What did it mean to you and the fans?
“You know, I am not paid. My payment is in the form of the club’s success. When we win a title, it is also my win. I am happy to see people smiling around me. I will never forget that day on the balcony of the town hall and the crowds. That’s my salary, but when we lose, I also sleep badly.”
Ralf Rangnick, who also trained clubs like Manchester United and RB Leipzig, started his career as a coach at Ulm; what memories do you have of the manager? Do you follow his career?
“For me, Ralf is a superb human being. He earns people’s respect with his manner. He is also a perfect tactical and technical professional. I, like many here, would always like to see Ralf back here.”
You played against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. Munich is only 157km from Ulm. Is there a special meaning for Ulm in your matches against the Rekordmeister?
“You know Uli Hoeness and his brother Dieter. They are from Ulm, and Uli played for our club in the 1960s for a few years (1967-70). I know Uli and Dieter well. Despite what he has achieved with Bayern, which is by far the best club in Germany, they are friends. Uli hasn’t changed. He still remembers me and treats me like a friend.”
Which players come to mind after all these years with SSV?
“There are many, and I have not forgotten most of them. Holger Betz, Johannes Reichert, Erich Steer, and many others have made their mark at the club; it has been inspiring to see their development.”
It’s an incredible achievement to have worked so long for the club. As a volunteer, what was your main job?
“I worked in a coach factory, building buses, for forty years, and at the weekend, I did my duties with the club here at SSV.”
What you have achieved is very impressive, especially your dedication. Do you have any advice for a successful life?
“You put your family and your children first. If my kids need something, I will drop everything and help them. That is the best thing to do. When your kids are inexperienced, it is not their fault if something goes wrong, and you have to be there for them. My daughter is a teacher, and her husband is a lawyer. I am very proud of them.”
Which personalities made the biggest impression on you?
“One is Leo Scienza, now of Heidenheim. He came here and could hardly speak German. I met his parents and looked out for him when he joined. He is not just a great player; he is like a son to me, but there are many. I take care of the lads, the players like me, and I help them in any way I can.”
The Donaustadion celebrates its centenary on July 20th; which team would be your dream opponent?
“Of course, Napoli. They are my home team, and I have passionate fans. I would love to see Napoli here in Ulm.”
What makes SSV Ulm so unique for you? What has kept you here so long?
“It’s a family. We are not Bayern or BVB, but we represent Ulm. The people in the city are proud of us, and our team never gives up. We fight until the end, like in the game today. Magdeburg is a big club, but we won because we fought hard.”
Finally, Ulm is currently in the relegation zone in the league. Will ‘Die Spatzen’ stay up?
“Of course, we have to.”
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