Member Associations | 8 Jun 2022

Patrick FRANZISKA: "I plan to drink the birthday champagne from the Cup"

1. FC Saarbrücken TT has its sights set on the first double trophy in the club's history: In the final of the Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL), the Cup winner will meet Borussia Düsseldorf in the Ballsporthalle Frankfurt on June 11. Six top 20 players in the World rankings will be present on both clubs line ups.

One of them will be Patrick FRANZISKA (29), who answered few questions about Saarbrücken's strengths, title prospects in the Liebherr TTBL final and further plans for his 30th birthday.

Borussia Düsseldorf has won 30 games out of 33 in all competitions this season. How does it make you feel?

“ Positive! After all, they suffered two of the defeats against us. That can be repeated”, said FRANZISKA.

In the Bundesliga (TTBL) and Cup, Borussia Düsseldorf and 1. FC Saarbrücken TT meets in a cross-competition final for the third time in a row.

“Both clubs have a very high quality teams and also the team around them. In addition, the consistency and the good team spirit are impressive on both sides. But the successes would not be possible without the hard work that is done by both Düsseldorf and Saarbrücken.”

FCS won the Liebherr Cup final in January 3-1. Please give us three reasons why Saarbrücken could win again on June 11 and creates the first double in the club's history...

“The double we're dying to win is reason one. The very good shape we showed in the semifinals, next. And then, of course, that I want to celebrate my birthday for two reasons. I'm planning to drink the sparkling wine from the Cup... There will also be a small celebration with close friends and family.”

What do you think will be the deciding factor in the Liebherr TTBL final?

“The shape on the day will be decisive for these two strong teams - and ultimately also the doubles, which is why the line-up is of great importance.”

FRANZISKA have been playing for Saarbrücken since 2016; in the Liebherr TTBL final with FCS for the fourth time in a row and recently extended your contract until 2025. With Cedric NUYTINCK and Jin TAKUYA, Saarbrücken has signed two more top players for the coming season.

“We've already done a few training sessions together, which showed me that we can achieve a lot. Both are real fighters and therefore fit very well into our team.”