Duo with double the fun: Andrich and Blaswich at the BarmeniaGothaer children's press conference

Team spirit and a very sepcial connection

The budding young players didn't hesitate for long and got straight down to business: What does team spirit mean? Goalkeeper Janis Blaswich was enthusiastic: "Wow, what a great question! For me, team spirit is the cohesion within a group, that you get along well off the pitch, maybe do something together in your free time, so that you are there for each other on the pitch and have fun together." Robert Andrich jokingly added that he wouldn't like to spend his free time with his team-mate Janis: "It's just for fun, of course. Janis and I have a very special bond because we've known each other for a very long time. We played together at Dynamo Dresden in 2016."

The follow-up question of how the two team-mates and friends would describe themselves was no less witty. After a well-considered pause for thought, Andrich opted for "authentic, self-confident and honest", while Blaswich described himself as "family-orientated, cheerful and open".

ice cream and Chili con Carne - an absolutes must

Speaking of which: How do professional athletes actually spend their free time? Andrich: "It's all a bit more organised for the two of us, of course. We're no longer like bachelors, we have children. (laughs) That means we're here at work and then the second job starts at home," says the 31-year-old. He continues: "Apart from that, I enjoy everything that has to do with the ball. Now that I have children, I also do a bit of swimming, my daughter is just learning to swim." The two also agreed when it comes to holidays. Blaswich: "I'm totally the summer type. Winter holidays are not for me, I don't need to go skiing. Sun and the beach, that's what my family and I like." Andrich added: "My family and I prefer to go to Greece, we've been to Rhodes a few times. Crete is also very nice because you don't have to fly that long and you always have good weather."

And which favourite food should never be missing? There was no doubt in Blaswich's mind: "Ice cream is simply a must, especially when it's hot. You could wake me up at three o'clock in the morning, I can always eat it!" Andrich then conceded critically: "Well, it's more of a dessert, but ok, I'll let that go. (laughs) In summer, especially when it's getting warmer here again, I think barbecues are simply amazing. And I really like chilli con carne."

"want to get to the DFB Pokal final"

Then things slowly turned to sport. Blaswich said: "I actually used to play outfield. You can still recognise that a bit today. (laughs) But if it hadn't been football, I always wanted to be a police officer." According to Andrich, he would probably be a nursery school teacher today, "but luckily it worked out with football. (laughs)". Things didn't just get lively during the questions, but also off the mic. Because after Andrich revealed that he had mastered the "Around the World" trick, there was no stopping the audience, so that the midfielder promptly had to demonstrate his skills to thunderous cheers - with success!

At the end of the Q&A session, things got moving once again. Andrich: "My best goal, I would say, was the one against AS Roma in Rome to make it 2-0 with a right-footed shot from about 20 metres into the corner, because that's how we got through in the end. But overall, of course, it's winning the league and the DFB Pokal - especially the day we became champions against Werder Bremen. The whole day was simply special and one of the best days of my life." Blaswich then added: "For me, it was also definitely winning the DFB Pokal back then with Leipzig. That's why I really want to reach the Pokal final again this season with our team! And finally, if I can give you all a tip for your sporting journey: Have fun, get plenty of exercise and don't take it too seriously. The rest will come with time."

Autographs and Selfies to end the day

The lively afternoon was of course crowned with a group photo as a memento. Of course, the children also took the opportunity to take selfies with the two players and collect autographs on boots, jerseys and even lunch boxes. At the end of the day, no wish remained unfulfilled...