Paul Lambert Straight Talk | Episode 6

Peter Martin talks to Paul Lambert; the legendary Borussia Dortmund and Celtic footballer about his career as a player.

Paul Lambert Interview Highlights:

00:00:00 Intro - Paul Lambert
00:02:23 Celtic UEFA Cup Final Seville
00:05:10 St.Mirren v Dundee Utd 1987 Scottish Cup Final
00:12:25 Signing for Motherwell FC 1993
00:18:44 PSV Eindhoven trial
00:24:03 Borussia Dortmund trial
00:34:12 Playing for Borussia Dortmund
00:38:41 Dortmund 3-1 Juventus
00:45:18 Signing for Celtic FC
00:55:28 Henrik Larrson Celtic
00:57:17 Martin O'Neill Celtic
01:03:00 Celtic v Porto UEFA Cup Final
01:05:20 Brazil 2-1 Scotland World Cup 1998

In a game that's become increasingly global, stories of players crossing borders to achieve footballing glory have become commonplace. Yet, every so often, a tale emerges that captures the heart of football aficionados worldwide. Paul Lambert's journey from the Scottish league to becoming a Champions League winner with Borussia Dortmund is one such narrative that continues to inspire.

The Leap from Scotland to Germany
After making a name for himself at Motherwell, Lambert's footballing journey took an unexpected turn. A trial arranged with PSV Eindhoven didn't materialize into a contract as the Dutch side was in pursuit of a winger. However, fate had other plans as a subsequent trial with Borussia Dortmund culminated in a contract following an impressive preseason tournament performance. The same summer, Portuguese international Paulo Sousa also joined the Bundesliga side, initially perceived as a direct competitor to Lambert’s position. Yet, the Scottish midfielder's tenacious performances in the early Bundesliga fixtures earned him a spot in the starting lineup.

The Underdog Triumph
The 1996-97 season was a testing period for Dortmund. After basking in the glory of back-to-back Bundesliga titles, the team found itself trailing the indomitable Bayern Munich. However, the real narrative unfolded in the UEFA Champions League. Progressing as the group stage runners-up, Dortmund's journey saw them defeating the likes of Auxerre and Manchester United, paving the way to the finals against Juventus. Lambert's decisive performance in the semi-final against Manchester United garnered praise from United's Roy Keane, foreshadowing the pivotal role he was to play in the finals.

The Champions League Glory
Lambert's display in the Champions League final is etched in the annals of football history. Entrusted with the role of a defensive midfielder, he was instrumental in neutralizing Juventus' talisman, Zinedine Zidane. His precise cross setting up Karl-Heinz Riedle's opening goal was just the prelude to Dortmund's 3-1 victory. His man-of-the-match performance not only propelled Dortmund to European glory but also marked him as the first British player to win the European Cup with a non-UK team since the Champions League's inception in 1992.

The Heartfelt Farewell
The Champions League heroics were followed by a brief yet impactful stint with Dortmund. Lambert's final appearance came against Parma in the Champions League group stage on 5 November 1997. The emotional farewell witnessed a reciprocal appreciation between Lambert and the Dortmund faithful, epitomizing the profound impact he had made in his short but memorable sojourn in Germany.

The Celtic Chapter
Lambert's return to Scotland saw him donning the Celtic jersey, heralding a new chapter in his illustrious career. His debut on 8 November 1997 against Rangers was followed by a series of performances that contributed to Celtic's domestic dominance. Over seven seasons, Lambert's stint with Celtic was embellished with multiple domestic titles and memorable European nights, including the 2003 UEFA Cup final against Porto.

International Prowess
On the international stage, Lambert's career with Scotland was as eventful. From representing the nation in the 1998 FIFA World Cup to being part of the squad that triumphed over Germany in a UEFA Euro 2000 qualifier, Lambert's international journey was a blend of highs and lows. His solitary goal for Scotland came against the Faroe Islands in a Euro 2004 qualifier, yet another testament to his knack for rising to the occasion.

Paul Lambert's footballing journey is a blend of relentless perseverance, undying passion, and a knack for defying odds. From the humble beginnings in Motherwell to the illustrious nights in Dortmund and Celtic, his story continues to inspire aspiring footballers across the globe. His induction into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame on 15 November 2009 was a fitting homage to a career that left an indelible mark on the beautiful game.

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