We interrogate Gencler coach Thomas Doll

From left to right: Zakumi, Oz Kanka, Thomas Doll, Ralf Zumdick and Lanky Kanka Jorg.

Last night I managed to corner Genclerbirligi coach Thomas Doll between a wall and the mascot of the World Cup to be held in South Africa. It was the sort of knock 'em down drag 'em out interview that only "The round ball in Ankara" can be subjected to. I'm sure it was supposed to be the other way around.

Oz Kanka: I wrote these questions a couple of weeks ago on the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Where were you and how did you feel?

Doll: I was in Leipzig, in preparation for a World Cup game against Austria.

Oz Kanka: And how did you feel when the wall fell?

Doll: At first I couldn't believe what happened. I called my family and I was very, very happy at what happened.

Oz Kanka: You later played for the united German team, were there any problems between the west and east German players in the team.

Doll: (not quite understanding the question but nonetheless offering an interesting insight) The difference the both leagues were that the Bundesliga was much more public. The system was that in the Bundesliga it was much more quicker, on much more a higher level.

Oz Kanka: Fast forward to six months ago when you became Genclerbirligi's coach. Weren't you scared because Gencler had gone through so many coaches over the last few years.

Doll: We spoke together (with Doll's assistant coach and obvious good mate Ralf Zumdick) for this situation because it is not normal for there to be so many trainers. It is not an easy job. It is a challenge.

Oz Kanka: How different is it to train a team here in Turkey as compared to Germany.

Doll: We make the same training here in Turkey as we did in Germany. Now the boys have adapted very good. I think they have made a step forward. I think there is still a difference between the the German Bundesliga and the Super Lig but this is a challenge for us.

Oz Kanka: And where do you want to see Genclerbirligi at the end of the season?

Doll: This is the first season for us and last year Gencler were lucky to stay in the Super Lig. We are happy now that the boys are confident with us and we are in a safe place at the moment.

Oz Kanka: In the next couple of weeks we will be into the transfer season. Have the management given you money for more players?

Doll: We are in discussions now ... but there are lots of players who are under contract. We can't send away players who are under contract . So we have to look at getting some new players... but it is not easy.

Oz Kanka: Now for the serious questions.... Cheese, or chocolate?

Doll: (without hesitation) Chocolate.

Oz Kanka: What is your favourite drink?

Doll: Apple juice with water.

Oz Kanka: Apple juice with water?

Doll: You mean drink at a bar?

Oz Kanka: Obviously.

Doll: Ah, red wine.

Oz Kanka: Your favourite footballer?

Doll: Ahh.. Messi

Oz Kanka: Finally, Heidi Klum or Claudia Schiffer?

Doll: None of them.

Oz Kanka: Are you a man?

A slight discussion in German between Ralf and Thomas then ensues and then Thomas goes for the host of tonight's World Cup draw

Doll: Charlize Theron.

Oz Kanka: Thank you very much Mr. Doll and the very best of luck on Sunday against Denizlispor.

Doll: Thank you. And who are you?