Friday, March 29, 2024

Podolski: “I am always happy”

Arsenal held an official media open day on Wednesday ahead of the F.A. Cup Final, Tim Stillman went along for Arseblog News with a Dictaphone and a notepad.

There aren’t many characters at Arsenal as bright eyed and bushy tailed as Lukas Podolski. The German has made a name for himself with his perennially cheeky grin and camera hogging tendencies, as well as his jackhammer of a left foot. The always smirking German looks as relaxed as you’d expect in a sleeveless training top, his striking Cologne tattoo clearly visible on his right arm. “Hello!” he exclaims cheerily to the assembled hacks as he takes his seat.

Life has been good for Podolski since Arsenal’s penalty shootout victory against Wigan at Wembley. He has started all five of Arsenal’s games since and has only been substituted once in that time. He cut a frustrated figure as he was replaced in a nervy semi-final game with Wigan. In keeping with his reputation as one of life’s sunnier sorts, Podolski cuts off a journalist that asks him about that game before he can finish his question.

“Lukas, last month you spoke of your unhappiness of your situation,” before the German interrupted, “I am never unhappy, I am always happy!”

Yet when the final kicks off this afternoon, Podolski knows Arsenal will have to mean business. He realises that the final will have a transformative effect on how the season is viewed for the Gunners. “When you finish 4th, I mean, it is ok. But if we win the cup, then it is a great season. This is the biggest cup with the biggest history in the world. When you win nothing for 9 years and you have the chance now, the pressure is big, but we have a lot of players with a lot of big games, we have international players.”

Perhaps in keeping with his light-hearted persona, Podolski initially appears a little testy when Hull are described as “the underdogs” by a journalist. “When you are in a final, you don’t have underdogs. You play against a strong team. They will fight, run and give their all until the end.”

However, that message is perhaps undermined when he follows with, “Of course, we are the favourites because we are the better team,” before qualifying that with, “It is one game, it is not easy.” Later in the interview, the German has to ask a reporter to repeat the name of Hull’s Matty Fryatt some three times before the penny drops. “I don’t look at the names of who we are playing, we focus on our game.”

It might be a popular question for a German to have to field, but when pressed as to whether Arsenal have practiced penalties, “We want to finish the game in 90 minutes. If we get to penalties, we have a lot of great players who can score penalties, but our focus is to win the game after the 90 minutes.”

The forward admits that the team were “nervous” about the Wigan semi-final, but believes that nerves won’t be an issue for the final. “It was a big game and we’d lost a couple of games before, but after this game we have had a good run until now and we have a lot of confidence and we are strong enough to win this game.”

Podolski then fields a few questions in German, giving his familiar “a-ha!” retort to a German reporter he clearly recognises. And with that, he cheerily skips out of the room with a “bye!” and a wave. Arsenal fans will hope Arsenal’s happiest man is positively beaming at 7pm. LD.

Follow me on Twitter @LittleDutchVA

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guyfawkes

Don’t we know that? It would be so awesome if he or Rosicky or Sagna score our winning goal.

#Aha

Exiledgooner

I want Koscienly to get one, to alleviate the hurt of his unfortunate mistake (not blaming him, shit happens) in the final in 2011. Same reason I want Szszesny to play, so that he gets the day he deserved then and can put the ghost of Obafemi Martins to rest.

Elly

Couldn’t agree more re. Kos was thinking that earlier, especially after that twat patting him on the head after scoring, just so out of order that was.

Far as goalkeepers though, guess I’d make a lousy manager because even though head says it has to be Szcz starting, no way in hell I could drop Fabianski, just couldn’t do it.

Arsepedant

Well you got your wish mate! Great prediction!

Malaysian Gooner

I just want someone from our team to get the winning goal (and on the right side of the pitch).

Highberry

Gotta love this guy, he gives his all for us every time he plays. Should it go to penalties then I have only one request can they get maureen to ly down and place the ball on his chin like in golf???

ETTAN

Failure is not a f*****g option today !!!

COME ON YOU GUNNERS !!!!

derby

Have been getting giddy since yesterday about the match, and today I feel the excitement going into overdrive. Then, to my shock, it occured to me: What is we actually win the cup and then Wegna says – to hell with you, I’m staying ang going nowhere now? We won’t hear the end of it. I predict riots.

kiddersauce

Then we should make clear what we really think of him then.
We could do it Arseblog style; a placard with “cup’s dedicated to you Wenga, so you can deserveldy go like a winner NOW” on it.

kiddersauce

Nah, he’s gone after this match. It’s been written on the wall, long time.

Mpls

I wish people could put that bitter shit away for One. Fucking. Day. And support the club -including the manager who got us here- on this momentous occasion!

UTA!

Highberry

Dead on Mpls…..the only thing a gooner should be thinking about is how high we’re going to be when the BFG lifts the trophy

Rambö

It’s the 17th of May, the Constitution day of Norway, so I’m wearing my Podolski-shirt under my dress shirt. I cannot wait for this final. Now let’s get some silverware, we deserve it!

Mpls

Happy Syttende Mai!

Rocky Rocastle

Hehe, i had my Arsenal Tie on with my suit. it was easy picking the right Tie today 🙂

gunnering mouth

Love u Poldi. will love you more if you send that hull keeper into coma. come gunners!!!!! lets kill somebody tonight

Zarzar

a-ha

Halane

I might live far away( in Denmark) and not attending the Match but i assure, i’m buzzing and hoping that we bring this one, because it might/will be the start of a new era with different time with Trophies.

GreekTragedy

I really hope he starts, with Giroud firing blanks right now, we need the extra fire power.

Stewart Robson's therapist

Have you been watching the same player recently? Giroud’s scored three in the last five.

Arsene Nose

Who else couldn’t sleep much last night? Can’t f*cking wait!

COYG

Elly

Not just me obviously lol… think I finally fell asleep about 5.30 & woke up at bloody 7am 🙁 Strange thing is not in the least bit nervous about this one which is very unusual, but just feel absolutely certain today is going to be different from all the let downs & almosts in recent years. Honestly can’t remember the last time I was this calm about a major game especially this major – but we’re going to do this one!

Goonerneedsapint

I had a dream we were playing with a cannon ball and every time we hit the net, it exploded and regenerated. God knows what dream analysis people would make of that…

epson

That you don’t believe in the second law of thermodynamics…?
Now, how’s your relationship with your mother?

derby

the match is tomorow.

Mooo

He’s always happy alright, but that left foot of his is fucking mad!

Kevin

@Rambö hey man, I’m going rouge like that as well! Since my Ramsey home shirt of this season has read white and blue on it i figure it works :p COYG give us a trophy!

Rambö

I’m using my third kit, which is purple, black and red, but it’s the logo’s colours that matter I guess. #COYG #AHA

Kevin

Red white and blue*

Petit's Handbag

In fact we fucking love em, wooooooooaaaaahhhh

kay tyma

17th may….I was born on a 17th…marking 4 months to my birthday with an FA cup victory ….COYG

AN Other

I hope to see him score. Podolski is a most likeable character in the dressing room.

WTF is this match at 5? I can’t wait that long.

Serge

He is going to score a rocket of a goal today. You heard it here first!

the only sam is nelson

pub, then wemberlee on the hottest day of the year? why yes please

come on you rip roaring golden glorious gunners!

tarsan

am working right now and be out 3 o’clock ,cant waite,we have so many games but this of course is the one that I cant wait the most FA cup arsenal vs the tigers,dont worry tigers today your playing ageinst the lions so you ha chance am sure,we have the orange playing vs Ecuador, barca vs atletico, great day of football lovers,am excited.come you gunners.

Nairobian gooner

I really love the guy. I hope he starts. His shooting ability will be needed if the hull city bring their team bus in the field

Eddie McGoldrick

Hi…does anyone know if they will still sell ticks for the screening at the Emirates today before the match? Tried to do it yesterday but forgot to complete the purchase….doh! Cheers

goonero

There is probably a case to be made about this guy’s mental state, but whatever it is I fucking love it 😀 Come on you gunners and bring it home!!

ugly_gooner

Don’t let him go. I want Poldi to retire as a Gunner :’)

Fatgooner

AN OPEN MESSAGE TO ARSENE WENGER AND ALL THE PLAYERS: Please do not fuck this up. This is a gold-plated, diamond-encrusted with a cherry on top opportunity to finally get this ‘no trophies’ monkey off our backs. Please take it. Hull are not a particularly great side – we beat them 3-0 at their place only a few weeks ago – but if we don’t turn up then they will beat us. Show them maximum respect. Start the game well, score the first goal and then push on to get the second and third. Give yourselves a nice easy, nerve-free… Read more »

Serge

I think you should close the message, I have no doubt what-so-ever about today and this will be the greatest belting in fa-cup history. >5 goals for us on the cards tonight.

Arsenal will be a difference force cometh the end of the 90 minutes and into the start of next season.

COYG

richardanus

Love Poldi baby. Now, win this fucking thing. For yourself, and for us.

deano

Poldi first goal 4-0 £405 COYG!!!!!!!!!

adeoba

I love podol and all the rest of the players, just 90mut to finish the job after spurs, Liverpool, Everton, cont, and winger finally is hull we beat them twice in the league this season pls don’t repeat that 2011 capital one cup final we beg. I believe with God by our side it is done. gunners go for the cup last chance grap it! up gunner.

ER1

I dearly hope that the pitch will be spotless and totally free of banana skins !! COYG !!

Merlin's Panini

I want a Carl Jenkinson winner.

Mpls

Now THAT celebration would be a fucking sight!

Bojude

Th accuracy and th power of that left foot makes one not to miss a single bit of cunt’s(rvp).#aha

bip

Today I absolutely agree with @fatgooner.
Win and open the floodgates. Loose and well then wenger needs to go.

Podolski's left foot

Our happy German 🙂

Goonerestgooner

C’MON YOU GUNNNNNNNERS!

The butterflies in my stomach have got butterflies in their stomachs.

FA Cup after party at mine, you’re all welcome.

NutellyOnRye

Can we get that pharrell hat plastered on this guys head for every picture he’s in? Or at least petition that he should wear it for every interview he’s giving cause he certainly is always “happy”.

Gazgoon

Here in Kiwiland…waiting. Going to get up and cook a nice bacon and egg breakfast. Watch the game. It’s like bloody christmas isn’t it? The anticipation!! Fuckin COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!!

Neil

Good to see the media are as misinformed as ever (or just stirring shit up as usual). According to them, Arsenal have put those street signs up around Islington (Arsenal parade). Thing is, they haven’t. The council have. Arsenal’s official site are saying ‘possible parade route’ as tens of thousands of gooners will need to know, not to mention local businesses and residents. Hull have done the same thing, although they were wise enough to use the word ‘possible’ on their signs. Someone at that council needs a good kick up the arse and I will blame him/her if we… Read more »

vnet

I don’t know how other arsenal fans are doing.. But I’m going complete bonkers just waiting for the Kick off.
My mind’s completely blank. Have no work today. Played fifa 14 about a million times today. Searching for arsenal news every 5 minutes. Checked TV Schedule about 4 times already. have got no nails on my fingers left on account of having them chewed off in nervousness. Just get me to the fucking Kick off now please..

Neil

Yup. Live abroad now and no build up, the show will start 10 minutes before kick off. Don’t have Skysports News but I do have Fox Sports News, which is far worse. Have a few movies I could watch, but I can’t focus on a movie. Not a chance. Music? For some reason, that doesn’t appeal either. Pacing around and flicking through the channels or talking balls on the tinterweb? Not starting the booze just yet. don’t wanna finish it before kick off. That seems to be winning.

I’m off to pace around again.

ArsenalPak

I live all the way in Pakistan and my friends and I are going absolutely mental about this game. Its so exciting, I can’t wait. I really do hope we put in a stunning performance tonight, and when Arsenal lift that cup, a 100 million Gooners scattered all over the world will be shedding tears of joy.
Come on you gunners!

Sammy Nelsons Arse

The papers and sporting websites are desperate to for us to mess this up ! BBC website is full of world events that have happened during our trophy drought ! Come on lads I want a no mercy ruthless performance so us fans can ram this no trophy shit down their throats after the game !

Neil

Not to mention the girl on Sky News a few hours ago (I have this but not Skyports news). She was reading out fans’ predictions and she said ”Such and such of Hull thinks it will be 2-1 to Hull. Hope he’s right, as I really hate Arsenal.” Thanks, you daft bint. I think you’ll find that a few Arsenal fans contribute money towards your employer to pay for your hairdos. Maybe I’m being picky, but isn’t the news supposed to be impartial? Imagine if a News Bint came out and said ”I really hate Liverpool/Man Utd.” We’d never hear… Read more »

Neil

Just read the excellent ‘Gentleman’s review’ on here. If that page is a real one from Theo’s book it’s on my list (goes on about Nasri’s chin etc). If this is also a real page from it, I’m depserate for a copy.

Sadly, I’m 99.99999% sure someone is having a laugh. Please tell me it’s actually real.

http://www.sickchirpse.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Theo-Walcott-Book-RVP.jpg

Wenger's coat

Fabianski starts – yesssss!

Neil

Fabianski, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey, Cazorla, Ozil, Podolski, Giroud

Subs: Szczesny, Vermaelen, Rosicky, Wilshere, Monreal, Flamini, Sanogo

Merlin's Panini

aw, there’ll be no Jenkinson winner then.
Sanogo it is then. First Arsenal goal wins the FA Cup. That would be perfect.

Neil

Damn. No Diaby from the bench to fire in the winner 🙁

innovstar

Boys, do us proud… dominate, crush and be victorious. Give us a wonderful reason for a bad head in the morning.

Gunner for ever!

Sammy

How sad is this. I’m on my own, wearing an Arsenal scarf in front of the TV and sick with nerves.
Every time the pundits go on about set pieces, which Szcz is better at than Fabianski ( well IMHO) my stomach churns a bit more, but then I think of our no 16….
Just hope we can cope with their give-it-all, fast, physical start, get an early goal and then don’t ever ever assume it’s won until the fat lady sings she wore a yellow ribbon.
Come on Arsenal!!

Henry! Chance!! Goal!!!

There is no excuse for what I’m watching right now. Absolutely no energy.

Jasonissimo

Was I the only one upset that they were engraving the trophy with 6 minutes to play? Not cool, FA. Not cool.

santori

That’s bc Never in doubt.;)

We have to do things the ARsenal way, give Hull a two goal handicap and still win it without penalty calls.

JB

Aaron Ramsey!!! COYG!!! <3

Bombay Gunner

The substitutes made all the difference.
Sanago! Jack! And Tommy!

Loved Mert and Kos lifting the trophy together.

norcalfan

“the little Welsh diamond!!!!”

🙂

santori

Welsh Jesus didnt even make the journo’s team of the year. but what do they know.

New cabinet anyone?

Neil

Mr Arselog.

I don’t use twitter and you have more clout than I have. I suggest a campaign to send Maureen postcards saying ”Specailist in failure 1 You 0. Eat it bitch!”

Can you start this?

santori

Send one to United and Liverpool the nearly men too.

santori

I suppose the Journos will be cacking on about how Liverpool have every prospect of future silverware having won the second spot trophy.

We of course do not even after the FA cup AND fourth spot double + Charity Shiled to come with that Emirates cup people like to go on about.

how long since our last trophy again? After the drought the deluge.;)

SB

Poldi did show he is happy usually – though sub-ed, was one of the first to congratulate AW.

While the change in formation was understandable, the change in personnel wasn’t the most clinical finisher or someone who has never scored for the club. However none of it matters now.

COYG

santori

Sanogo was a real menace and destabilized the Hull back line.

It was a good substitution by the gaffer and hats off to him. Wenger deserves this trophy.

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