Keven Schlotterbeck (29) has publicly addressed the serious injury of his brother Nico (26). The FC Augsburg defender was working as a guest expert for MagentaTV before the World Cup match between Portugal and Uzbekistan (ARD, MagentaTV) - and spoke there in conversation with host Laura Wontorra (37) not only about the upcoming game, but also about a very personal topic.
The background is his brother's premature tournament exit. Nico Schlotterbeck, who plays for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, was injured last Saturday during the DFB victory against Ivory Coast (2:1) and had to be substituted. The diagnosis: a torn medial collateral ligament that will sideline the Dortmund player for the rest of the World Cup. Keven was on site at the game in Toronto and thus witnessed firsthand when his brother had to leave the match.
A breaking point for him and us as a family
Accordingly, Keven's words were emotional. We have to keep going, straighten the crown and get through it. I spoke with my brother, of course, but I'll do it as it was reported in the media: It says several months. It doesn't look so rosy. I won't reveal too much, he can do that calmly, said the Augsburg player.
Keven made unmistakably clear how much the injury affects the entire Schlotterbeck clan: It's a breaking point for him and also for us as a family, because we would have liked to continue supporting him. Now unfortunately that's how it is. In 4 years the next World Cup is coming up, he can look forward to that. Let's keep going!
Distraction with travel tip to New York
Instead of wallowing in sorrow, the older brother focuses on distraction - and an unusual suggestion. I'm texting with him a bit and want to distract him. I told him he should definitely come to New York and just see the city, because it's something very special. But of course, he has to digest this for a few weeks first, Keven reported.
His brother is meanwhile processing the setback in silence. He stayed in Winston-Salem for about another week. He's just switching off, turning off his phone too. He's trying to help the team first and give them support, said the Augsburg professional. He places great hope in the solidarity of the DFB team: Just as I believe the guys are there for him and will pat him on the shoulder when he needs it. Soccer is tough.
