Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterEven as the children of German emigrants, Mark Schwarzer found life in Germany in the mid-1990s difficult.A 21-year-old Schwarzer moved halfway across the world to join Dynamo Dresden from the Sydney-based Marconi Stallions in 1994, but played just twice before making the move west to Kaiserslautern the following season.That gave Schwarzer a glimpse of life in both sides of what was then still a newly-reunified country - and he admits it was an eye-opening experience for a young man.Schwarzer told FourFourTwo: "I loved parts of it, I hated others."It was 1994, only four years after unification between East and West Germany. Dresden was a beautiful city but very run down, with a huge period of rebuilding going on. You may like The late Kevin Keegan exclusive, on the upsides and downsides of his spell in Germany "Emerson was phenomenal at Middlesbrough but completely mad. Its no surprise he went AWOL" "Our relationship completely broke down - I felt he was dishonest" Mark Schwarzer on Steve McClaren "There was still a real divide between East and West, and it could be difficult to fit in."I was a foreigner I was German, but I wasnt, because I was born in Australia. I was kind of in no mans land.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."I spoke a little German, but the local dialect was really difficult to understand."Australians werent regarded that highly as footballers either. We had the odd good player, but we werent really respected."I only played two games that season, but in hindsight the experiences I gained were invaluable. What to read next 'Fans threw a severed bulls head onto the pitch in protest. It only motivated us more Ex-Bundesliga man reveals craziest tales from time representing Germany's most-hated club Hitzlsperger on why WWII stereotypes stood out more than homophobia at Aston Villa "My parents convinced me to consider picking Sunderland over Ajax" "Kaiserslautern was similar and there was still a lack of acceptance because of where I came from."I played four games, did well in two, but my last was definitely my worst performance."Then Otto Rehhagel came in. He wasnt a fan of young players and didnt rate me. After two-and-a-half years in Germany, I knew I needed to find a club where the manager wanted me."Id always wanted to play in England, and my wife could work there more easily, so when Bradford came along in November 1996, it was a no-brainer."TOPICSMark SchwarzerSteven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
