Olaf the pinball and Matze Knop are topics in the news. - The reason for their ideal electronic music track is due to...
Olaf Malolepski (78), also known as Olaf the Flipper, and Matze Knop (49) have come together to create a song for the home Euro 2024 named "Wir sagen Dankeschön 2024 (Stadion Version)". This is a revamped version of The Flippers' song "Wir sagen danke schön" from 2009, which gained social media attention in 2022. In a conversation with the news agency spot on news, Olaf and Matze detail their meeting, how they plan to follow the EM, and their opinions on the chances of the German national team for the title. Matze also talks about his preferred player who he thinks is missing in the squad.
What makes "Wir sagen danke schön" the ideal EM song?
Malolepski: The song "Wir sagen danke schön" is a must at any party. So, of course, it's fitting for the EM as well. What's more beautiful than just saying thank you? It's our way of thanking both the team and the fans.
Knop: Olaf and I are the perfect tag team. The song immediately finds its way into your ear. We're already saying thank you because we know we'll win the championship - that's what they call a self-fulfilling prophecy.
How did your partnership come into being?
Malolepski: We received numerous requests asking if there would be an EM version of "Wir sagen danke schön". When the writing team had edited a new text, my initial thought was to reach out to Matze. I thought it would be a promising match. And he instantly agreed.
Knop: Olaf called me one day and, well, after ten minutes it was clear that we would make a hit together.
Mr. Malolepski, when your song became popular again in 2022, how did you react and what cherished experiences have you had?
Malolepski: The song was already making waves online before then. My daughter Pia said to me, "Dad, something's happening." I never imagined it would turn out this way. I'm just incredibly thankful for the experiences I get to have now. I thought I had already experienced everything a musician can go through. We've sold out arenas for years. But now four generations are celebrating this song. And they sing every song along with us. It was a real spectacle at the Parookaville Festival and Rock am Ring, with 80,000 spectators in the audience. And they sing along with us.
What plans do you have for the stadium version of the song? Will you be performing often?
Malolepski: Matze and I have already performed together at the opening in the Megapark and at the "Schlagernacht des Jahres" in Cologne. Of course, there will be more performances and fan events. Check our social media channels for updates.
Knop: Olaf and I have already booked the Brandenburg Gate for the Monday after the final.
Which songs do you think have potential for the EM this year? Do you have top picks in football songs?
Knop: My own song "Pokal Again" is still stuck in every fan's head. Besides, I really like Tim Bendzko's new song "Komm schon!" a whole lot. Platinum for "Dankeschön", gold for "Komm schon!" (laughs).
Do you think the EM 2024 will induce the same national fervor as the WM 2006? How has the mood been so far?
Malolepski: Absolutely. We have a first-rate team, and the sky's the limit. We're all set for a summer of magic!
Knop: Definitely! I'm convinced that our team will put up a stellar performance this tournament. My weather app predicts sunny skies. I'm convinced we're in store for a magical summer in 2024!
Where will you watch the EM games? At public viewings or on your living room sofa?
Malolepski: It depends. I'm often on the go, so we need to figure out where we can watch the games. But I've also informed some organizers, maybe we should reconsider the game timings.
Knop: I'm hoping for a last-minute call from Julian Nagelsmann. If that doesn't happen, I'll try to get tickets or watch with my neighbor at a public viewing. But I'm optimistic I'll still be picked as the captain of the Comedian National Team by Julian.
How will you follow the games emotionally? Are you rattled by losses or triumphant in wins?
Malolepski: Of course. I tend to get worked up, and that discussion will take place with my friends after the games. But this year we'll just be elated. By the way, I could also pass as a professional football player.
Knop: Regarding the referee's poor calls or the team's misses at the goal, I get just as loud in front of the TV. The same goes for wins. Emotions and passion are inherent in football. That's why I adore this sport and have been madly in love with it since childhood.
Malolepski: My children attempted to purchase tickets, but regrettably, that didn't come to fruition. Nevertheless, what seems unattainable could still occur by chance.
Knop: I'll unquestionably be present at one or another match! At the very least, I'll mark the spot for the final Germany vs. Italy, and I'll find a way to get in regardless.
What are your thoughts on the DFB team's prospects of winning the championship?
Malolepski: I believe in our squad. The players are exceptional and showcase tremendous potential. I'm grateful for our team and all the dedicated supporters.
Knop: I trust in our players. We possess top-notch athletes and are not to be underestimated. If we refocus on playing soccer, we'll surely achieve success! I'm already expressing gratitude and preparing to cheer on the team.
Do you believe the DFB squad is missing a certain player?
Malolepski: I'll leave that matter to the professional. Matze, what's your take?
Knop: In my opinion, Julian Nagelsmann has selected the finest players we possess. Nonetheless, I personally prefer Mats Hummels. His experience is invaluable, and he has recently demonstrated how strong his performance is. Additionally, he continuously scores goals. Age, in my opinion, shouldn't be a concern - it's merely a matter of being skilful or not.
Who do you predict will be crowned the European champion in 2024?
Malolepski: Germany.
Knop: Germany. [end]
Read also:
- Olaf Malolepski and Matze Knop have collaborated to create a song for the home Euro 2024, titled "Wir sagen Dankeschön 2024 (Stadion Version)", which is a revamped version of their 2009 hit, "Wir sagen danke schön".
- The song is being promoted as the ideal EM song, with Malolepski emphasizing its celebratory nature and Knop stating that their chances of winning the championship make the song even more fitting.
- DFB team members have expressed interest in the song, and Matze Knop mentioned Julian Nagelsmann as his preferred player who he believes is missing from the squad.
- The song has gained popularity and has been performed at various events, including the Megapark and "Schlagernacht des Jahres" in Cologne.
- Olaf Malolepski and Matze Knop have both expressed confidence in Germany's chances of winning the EM 2024 tournament, and Olaf Malolepski mentioned that he could pass as a professional football player.
