Exclusive Q & A with former Borussia Dortmund and Denmark star Niclas Jensen

Niclas Jensen is a former Danish professional football player and current football agent.

He played as a left-back, and most notably won three Danish Superliga championships with F.C. Copenhagen. He played abroad for Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, English clubs Manchester City and Fulham, as well as German club Borussia Dortmund. Jensen played 62 games for the Danish national team between 1998 and 2008, representing Denmark at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and 2004 European Championship. He was named 1995 Danish Under-21 Player of the Year.

Outside90’s Bundesliga correspondent Ben McFadyean interviews ex BVB and Manchester City star Niclas Jensen on life at Dortmund, his big rivalry with Dede at Dortmund, BVB’s big send-off for Dede which takes place this September, playing at the World Cup and his new life as Denmark’s top FIFA talent agent.

Ben McFadyean (BM): Niclas, you joined Borussia Dortmund in 2002-03 at the time they were reigning Bundesliga champions and had narrowly missed out on a UEFA Cup. Many of our readers are Dortmund fans, what is it that makes BVB such a unique football club?

Niclas Jensen (NJ): Obviously when you have so many fans, it creates the fundament for a really great club, which BVB has been able to build upon. A full stadium every home game and a whole city that’s behind the club and players is what every club dream of.

BM: Which players do you remember most and who were your pals?

NJ: I had a good relationship with most of the players. My fellow Scandinavian André Bergdølmo was of course one I spend more time with that others, but also Kehl, Metzelder, Dede, Rosicky among others were great pals of mine.

BM: Can you tell us something about Dede?

NJ: Dede is a great guy. Obviously his footballing contributions were indisputable, but in the dressing room he was always a great character. Always in a good mood and making people laugh. The Brazilians in general always contributed in creating a good atmosphere.

BM: What was it like playing against Schalke?

NJ: It was a great experience to play against Schalke and feel that special rivalry between the two clubs. That’s the kind of games you love as a player.

BM: You played in the English Premiership with Manchester City, in Holland with Ajax. How is the Bundesliga different to the Premiership?

NJ: Oh, very difficult to describe with few words, but it’s a bit more tactically maybe, where as the English game tends to be more physical. But with many, many nuances.

BM: I remember you scored an amazing goal in 2003-04 against Borussia Moenchengladbach with a great freekick. What was it like to score for BVB?

NJ: As a left-back I never scored many goals, so every goal I scored is a fond memory!

BM: What do you think about the Klopp era? What was his unique contribution?

NJ: From a distance it looks like that apart from his coaching skills, it’s his enormous commitment and passion that makes him connect with the players, which is in my opinion a big, big advantage.

BM: Where do you think he will go next, maybe Man City? What can he expect there?

NJ: I have no idea where he will go next.

BM: And Hummels and Gundogan – where do you think they will go?

NJ: Again, no idea. Can only relate to the rumours which links Hummels with Manchester United, for example.

BM: What do you think will happen now at BVB? Will it be a great new era under Tuchel or is it the end of an era?

NJ: I truly hope that the club can maintain their position in European football. And I think they will. They have consolidated their position over the last years and underperformance in the first half of this years Bundesliga will not happen again, I’m sure.

BM You played for Denmark at the European Championship and World Cup, which is every football player’s dream, what is it like to play at a World Cup? You played England in the last 16, what was it like to play England? Do you have great memories of the day?

NJ: Obviously the World Cup is the biggest thing you can experience as a footballer, so I’m very proud and happy that I managed to try that. It was exactly as amazing as I expected. The memories against England was not the best, as we lost and had to leave the tournament but the World Cup was a great experience!

BM: Which player was the most amazing to play against?

NJ: I can’t name just one. I played against many great players. I played against David Beckham quite a few times and met him in private also. A nice guy and a great footballer.

BM: Who do you think will win the Champions league?

NJ: I think Barcelona will win it.

BM: How is your life now as an agent? Do you travel a lot? Which players should we watch out for in the future?

NJ: I’m very happy and excited in my new career as an agent. There are definitely many travelling days, but football is my life, so I enjoy it. I see a bright future, because a lot of talented players are coming through. It seems like many countries are investing in their youth development schemes which is very positive.

BM: German club BVB now has many thousands of fans in the UK, what do you think about such a development? Do you have a message for the British BVB Fans?

NJ: It’s fantastic to see the British following Dortmund, I can only say that I understand their fascination for BVB and being a fan myself, we’re in the same boat. All the best. And remember, Success is temporary, loyalty is forever.

BM: Thanks a lot Niclas, it was great speaking with you and good luck with the scouting.

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