Marcel Schmelzer to attend Dortmund v Bayern screening in Kochi during Bundesliga 'Z' Football Week

Former Borussia Dortmund defender Marcel Schmelzer will watch Dortmund’s Saturday match against Bayern Munich at Padma Theatre in Kochi while attending the Bundesliga ‘Z’ Football Week.

Schmelzer spent 14 seasons with Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga and retired as a defender at the club in 2022 before taking up a coaching role there; he also earned 16 caps for Germany. He has featured in Der Klassiker on several occasions and said his “most cherished memory is our 5-2 win in the Cup final in 2012,” adding, “It was an amazing game and an amazing season. I am hoping that we will get three points against Bayern on Saturday, too.”

Schmelzer is part of the Dortmund coaching staff that will run a clinic for local players and deliver workshops for trainers in Kochi. Former Dortmund and Australia midfielder Mustafa Amini is also listed among the Dortmund delegation attending the events.

The programme in Kochi is organised as a joint venture by Zee Entertainment with Bundesliga Eagles FC as the local partner. Eagle FC’s chairman Shaffi Mather said the response from young players and coaches was excellent and added: “We are glad that we could bring the Dortmund’s coaches to Kochi,” he said. “And Dortmund has a strong following here. There is a registered fans association for the club here.”

Suresh Letchmanan, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, Borussia Dortmund, said developing young talent was an important part of the club’s philosophy and commented: “We are delighted to bring our coaching expertise to Kerala, a region with a strong passion for football,” he added.

The Dortmund coaching clinics and workshops will take place in Kochi during the Bundesliga ‘Z’ Football Week, and Schmelzer will join local supporters at Padma Theatre to watch Dortmund’s Saturday meeting with Bayern Munich.