FCK legend Kuntz on HSV promotion: It’s now or never thanks to Walter & Boldt

Lautern legend Kuntz on HSV promotion dreams |

It’s now or never thanks to Walter and Boldt

Sold out! 57,000 spectators want to see the cracker in the Volkspark between HSV and 1. FC Kaiserslautern on Saturday (8.30 p.m.).

The two founding members of the Bundesliga did not meet again in Hamburg for eleven years. Back then it was 1-1 (goals: Guerrero/de Wit). Lautern legend Stefan Kuntz (59) is excited about this evergreen of German football: “FCK have nothing to lose in Hamburg and can play freely. Of course, HSV is the favourite.”

The promoted team is in a strong 7th place in the table and has even lost a game less than leaders HSV with just one defeat this season.

Kuntz, who is currently coaching the Turkish national team, is not surprised that his Red Devils have soared: “The core of the team stayed together after returning to League 2 and made the right move with coach Dirk Schuster. Dirk stands for honest work and that is traditionally very much appreciated on the Betzenberg. In addition, the huge euphoria of the fans carries the team.”

Former striker Kuntz, who scored 93 goals in 205 games in an FCK shirt and, as a highlight, became German champion in 1991 with the club of world champion Fritz Walter, adds: “Thomas Hengen, as Managing Director Sport, also had the courage to propose Schuster to commit to the relegation games.” With the new coach, who inherited Marco Antwerpen at the time, Lautern rose again after four years in the 3rd division.

Kuntz explains his great affection for the Betzenberg club: “Both my parents were born in Kaiserslautern. When I was a little boy, I often went to my grandparents’ and very early to the games in the stadium. The FCK is my heart club. And he will remain so forever. The club just suits me.”

And how does the 1996 European champion see Lauterer’s upcoming opponents?

Kuntz: “For me, too, HSV is a top favorite for promotion. It can only mean: now or never! The quality of the team is very high. The team seems to handle the pressure really well. The key is that sporting director Jonas Boldt and coach Tim Walter have been able to keep working consistently. When there are quarrels in the club, it usually doesn’t go well. That often rubs off on the players.”