THE CATFLAP CHINWAG WITH…

MARCUS HAHNEMANN

 

What one thing that annoys you most in football?

When you beat teams and they won’t shake your hand after the game, they just go straight in.

 

Does that happen a lot?

Yeah, especially if you beat some of the good teams. There’s just no respect which is pretty disappointing. The lack of respect I think is what bums me out.

 

Are you finding it tougher at Reading this season?

Yeah, because last year we never had any pressure on us, and now we’ve got a little bit. We’ve had some crazy results this year. The pressure from our fans and everyone, some of the criticism we get has been kinda weird. I was on the radio and a guy said “it’s a bit worrying we’re letting all these goals in, and all the goals we’re conceding are low and in to the corners.” I said when they start going slow and up the middle then come talk to me.

 

Fair point well made.

And I got a lot of shit after the Portsmouth game, the 7-4. Because after the game I went and shook everyone’s hand, and I saw David James and he just goes “what the f*** just happened”. And I say I’ve got no idea! Then someone snaps a picture and it looks like we’re laughing. So everyone’s saying “what do they have to be laughing about”. Are you kidding me? What do they want me to do? Sit down in the goal in start crying?

 

That must be one of the weirdest games you’ve played in?

Yeah and granted, I’ve let seven goals in and ok I’m not happy about it, but a fan saw me and said “I’m still not happy with you laughing after the Portsmouth game”. They have no idea what you’re thinking, and they question your loyalty and commitment to the team. You wanna just rip their heads off! Obviously that wouldn’t go over too well.

 

Probably not. Do you still give a fan your shirt after every game?

They told me to stop doing it, so that’s why I kept doing it. It’s like this last week, I keep getting letters from Lucozade, telling me not to drink Red Bull during the games. So I drink Red Bull during the games.