Fortuna Düsseldorf: Alexander Ende does it like once King Aleks

Fortuna Düsseldorf fights for survival in the 2nd league once again. To achieve this, they must win the home game against Elversberg (Sun., 1:30 p.m./Sky). It is crucial that the veterans Matthias Zimmermann (33) and Christopher Lenz (31) are on the field against the promotion contenders, just like in the last 3-1 home victory against Dresden two weeks ago, where the older players played a crucial role in the highest season success.

Alexander Ende (46) is currently following in the footsteps of “King Aleks” and relies on experience in the battle against relegation. Even coaching legend Aleks Ristic (81) prioritized experience in serious situations. However, he could not prevent the drop to the third division during the chaotic 92/93 season with seven (!) relegations despite being brought in as a savior.

There are five over-30 players in the squad, surprising many by remaining in Düsseldorf to face opponents like Rheydter SV, SC Brück, and Germania Teveren instead of the big names. This included a bitter 0-3 defeat for the man who always dreamed of becoming the national team coach.

Ristic relied on players like Petr Rada (67/at the time 35), Andrzej Buncol (66/at the time 34), Andre Winkhold (64/at the time 32), Darko Drazic (63/at the time 31), Vlatko Glavas (63/at the time 31), and Sergio Allievi (62/at the time 30) for the third division. When asked before the season why he was doing this, Ristic explained: “If I want short-term success, I need old, experienced players.”

Like Ristic, Ende is focusing on Zimmermann and Lenz in the fight against relegation. While someone like Andre Hoffmann (34) would also play a vital role, the captain was let go before the season began. Former manager Klaus Allofs (69) stated back then, “We want to restructure.” It turned out to be a major failure.

Interestingly, the veterans did not always play in the league under Ristic. However, they were crucial for the immediate return to the 2nd league in the promotion playoffs and a year later for the Bundesliga promotion. Bremen’s legendary coach Otto Rehhagel (87) once said there are no young or old players, only good and bad ones, and brought in the aging pro Allofs to achieve success. The native Düsseldorfer clearly did not forget this lesson.