Episode 19 ’I only played for big clubs’ with guest Philip Degen BVB defender 2005-8 (Bonus show with the Blood Red Liverpool FC Podcast)

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 B​orussia Dortmund life by talking to experts and former participants of the club's life. People like players, fans and journalists who have covered the club and decision makers and experts who know the world of all our club well.

The aim of the podcast is to make this wonderful football club more accessible to non-German speakers. The podcast may also be of interest to German football fans who want to learn or practice English.

On today's show, Matt Addison of the Liverpool FC Blood Red Podcast, and Ben, interview Philip Degen a BVB defender who played in Dortmund between 2005-08. Degen also played for the 'Reds' at Anfield between 2008-11.  

Now a football agent, he went on to play for VFB Stuttgart in 2010/11, before finishing his career at home club FC Basel from 2011- 2016. In terms of his International career, Degen gained 32 caps with the Switzerland national team at senior level and played at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and 2008 European Championships which was played across Austria and his home country.

On the show the 37 year old former player talks about his three seasons at Westfalenstadion in which he notched up 68 appearances.  In terms of finishes during, Degen's stay with our 'Schwarz-Gelben' at Westfalenstadion, Borussia finished just outside the European qualifying spots in 7th in 05/06 and 06/07 and 13th in 07/08.

Although hampered by injuries which resulted in gaining only 68 appearances with BVB, a highlight for which the Liesetal born defender, who could also play on the right-wing, will be remembered was an outstanding goal in a memorable 3-3 draw at Bayern Munich in season 2005/6. 

With Liverpool Degen narrowly missed out to Manchester United on the Premier League title in season 2008/9. In 2009/10 the 'Reds' reached the semi-final of the Europaleague where they were knocked out by eventual winners Atletico Madrid. In 2010/11 the Anfield based club finished in 6th spot under coach Kenny Daglish. 

In 2010/11 Degen moved to VFB Stuttgart reaching the last 16 of the Europaleague and finishing 12th in the league. In 2011 Degen returned to his home country of Switzerland and joined FC  Basel where he achieved his most important successes including four successive Swiss Super League titles and the national cup in 2011/12 before retiring in 2016. 

On the podcast Philipp shares his memories of his active career, talking about the characters and personalities he worked with along the way. He gives advice on what it takes to reach the professional level of football as well as insights into being a football agent. He also shares recollections of his appearances at the European Championship and Germany 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Plus why Jude Bellingham is the hottest prospect in European football right now and how a certain Bradley Fink, a young English-born Swiss striker who is currently with BVB U-19s,  could be shaping up to become one of BVB's brightest stars in the year's to come. 

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.

 

During the season you can also come to watch a game at our meet-up Stammtisch at the Naughty Bar, just off Oxford Street, in Cleveland street central London.

 

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