
Episode 52 ’ Es gibt nur eine Borussia” with Borussia Mönchengladbach assistant manager Christopher John
Thank you for your interest in the BvB London fan community podcast as every week the focus of the show will be on exploring a facet of football life with a focus on Borussia Dortmund by talking to experts, fans, and players and coaches.
People, including journalists, who make up the football world including decision makers and who know the football world and the world of BVB well.
The aim of the podcast is to make Bundesliga, BVB and international football more accessible.
Our guest today is Borussia Mönchengladbach assistant manager and former SC Wiedenenbrück and Chemnitzer FC midfielder Christopher John.
Born in Stollberg, Saxony John learnt his football in the academy of third tier Chemnitzer FC, who as FC Karl Marz Stadt won the 1967 championship and the East German Cup three times, in 1969, 1983 and 1989, who play their football at the 15,200 capacity 'Stadion an der Gellerstrasse'.
As a player he joined the home club of BVB CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke RW Erlinghausen before joining Regionaliga, the fourth tier of German football, club SC Wiedenbrück with which he won the 'Westfalen Pokal' before joining SV Lippstadt.
After completing the UEFA A coaching licence now 34-year-old John joined 2. Bundesliga SC Paderborn, after two years he was recruited by then Championside side Norwich City. After 4 years with the East-Anglia club, the former defensive midfielder joined Russian Prermier League club FC Krasnodar.
Due to the war in Ukraine, John and his head-coach at the club, former BVB II manager, Daniel Farke was recruited by Borussia Mönchengladbach.
In this English-language interview the coach speaks about his career, life in three of Europe's leading football leagues. Working with Daniel Farke at Norwich City including two promotions and two Premier League campaigns. The experience of working in Russia during the conflict and life and prospects for 'the other Borussia' 'Gladbach.
1. Academy life at Chemnitzer FC and first contract with Aki Watzke's home club RW Erlinghausen.
2. Professional career with fourth-tier SC Wiedenbrück including winning the 'Westfalenpokal'.
2. Playing alongside Daniel Farke (between 2015-17 BVB II headcoach) at SV Lippstadt.
3. Life with the Ost-Westfalen at SC Paderborn at the Hermann-Löns-Stadion.
4. 'A huge opportunity' joining 'The Canaries' at the Carrow road in 18/19.
5. Farke leads 'City' to Premier League for the first since 2003/4.
6. 'Die Kanarienvögel', how a group of German players invigorated City.
7. Krasnodar, life in the Russian Premier League and the impact of the Ukraine conflict at the time.
8. 'The other Borussia' what makes the two-time UEFA Cup (Europa League) champions and 5-time champions 'Gladbach unique and the 22/23 season ahead at the Borussia Park.
09. Social media.
We hope you enjoy the show, remember to send us your comments, share the show with friends and to apply for tickets contact the club via the website which is borussiadortmundlondon.co.uk or join the London BvB community at our online group at Facebook.com/borussiadortmundfanclubengland.