Some Golden Soft Sombrero Moments with Bernd Stange

Stange on Aussie footballers…

Diegos: "Over the years Aussies have been in great demand overseas for the prowess in music, super-modeling and surfing.

In recent times, more and more overseas clubs are looking towards Australia as a recruiting ground for soccer.

What is it that these clubs like about Aussie players, and have any players in the Ericsson Cup caught your eye as yet?"

Stange: " The Australian mentality based on competitiveness, a good work ethic and a great desire to learn, is very attractive commodity to overseas clubs. This country has a lot really good players.

It astounds me that Australia is not a permanent fixture in each World Cup with the amount of talent that is available here. Some players that have caught my eye so far have been Damian Mori from Adelaide City, Kasey Wehrman from the Brisbane Strikers and of course, Robbie Slater from Northern Spirit, who l believe is still good enough to play overseas."

Soft Sombrero Moment 1999

Stange on the Glory fans…

Diegos: "In the aftermath of the game against the Northern Spirit in round two, you were quoted as saying that the best player for you on the day was the 17,850 Glory supporters cheering you and your team on at the ground..

Other than blowing the eardrums of the players on the opposing team, what other advantage do the Perth Glory fans bring to the team on match day?"

Stange: " In the past the record at home hasn't been very good. Last season they apparently only won 4 games from 13 at home. I am attempting to change all this. I want the players to be free from any pressure they may feel from playing at home. But what l will be demanding from the team is to run their heart out for the full 90 minutes for the supporters."

Soft Sombrero Moment 1999

Stange on life away from soccer…does he have one???

Diegos: "Its well known that Glory supporters love the sun, surf, soccer and samba dancing in their spare time.

When you're not at the coal face as a coach, how do you take time out and relax away from soccer?"

Stange: " Its easy for me to live with the pressure. After 22 years with the East German national team and in the Bundesliga in Germany, this is not a problem for me.

I'm not here to have a holiday even though my wife and l have visited a number of Australian Museums since l have arrived. I don't have many days off because here at Perth Glory we are building for the future."

Soft Sombrero Moment 1999