Almuth Schult leaves VfL Wolfsburg - but is planning one last big title party. That's what the victory in the DFB Cup is supposed to be for. Even her parents left their farm for the game against Turbine Potsdam. The game could also make national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg think again.
As wistful as Almuth Schult is, as a real party beast, the national goalkeeper naturally has one last DFB Cup pool party in mind. Before moving to Hollywood club Angel City FC, it would be the perfect happy ending: the 31-year-old wants to say goodbye to VfL Wolfsburg with the double and the eighth cup triumph in a row.
"We have a large cabin with a relaxation pool in the Cologne stadium, where we've had one or two parties," said Schult before the DFB Cup final against Turbine Potsdam (4:45 p.m. / ARD and Sky). But after nine VfL years, tears will surely flow, just like after the championship.
Schult, who is otherwise so cool, already struggled with her feelings several times during the media round: "I'm not excited, but wistful. That's awesome." Especially since the parents leave their local farm in Wendland behind to support their daughter together for the first time in the grand finale in Cologne.
After the European Championships in England in the summer (July 6th to 31st), Schult will also have to say goodbye to them. She is moving to the USA with her husband and two-year-old twins to start a new chapter that is not only attractive from a sporting point of view at the professional club Angel City FC in the NWSL. The project, initiated by US actress Natalie Portman, wants to open up new spheres in women's sport - that suits Schult perfectly. As a popular TV expert and with the "Football can do more" initiative, she has long since risen to become a figurehead who wants to advance German women's football.
"I can also gain experience of what is done differently there, for example in marketing," explained Schult. It is understandably a thorn in her side that the cup final after two years without fans due to the corona virus will not be anywhere near sold out. Schult leaves open whether Los Angeles will be her last career stop or whether she will return to the Bundesliga: "But there aren't that many clubs in Germany that I would play for."
It is clear that she would like to continue her career in the national team from the USA. Until the European Championships, she wants to contest the role of number one in the DFB selection for Eintracht keeper Merle Frohms, who will succeed Schult in the VfL goal. "I want to make it as difficult as possible for the national coach. I don't see that the decision is already set in stone," said the 64-time international.
Since the 2019 World Cup, the Rio Olympic champion has not played an international match after shoulder surgery and childbirth. Martina Voss-Tecklenburg takes a close look at her European Championship candidates shortly before the provisional squad is nominated (May 31) as a grandstand guest in Cologne.
In the duel with the three-time title holder Turbine Potsdam, Schult and Co. are the clear favorites. With triumph number nine, VfL would draw level with 1. FFC Frankfurt (today Eintracht) as record winners. "It would be wonderful if that worked," said Schult. A scripted happy ending.
