Marco Russ: "An accident probably saved my life"
Marco Russ was part of Eintracht Frankfurt's journey from battling relegation to European football. However, his toughest opponent was testicular cancer. In the latest instalment of Life After Football, the current video analyst and men's health advocate talks to bundesliga.com.
bundesliga.com: Marco Russ, you made more than 300 Bundesliga appearances and are now in your fifth year with Eintracht Frankfurt as a video analyst. Given your experience in the game, was it an easy transition?
Marco Russ: "After two decades in professional football, no-one needs to teach me how to understand the sport. However, it took me time to get to grips with the software and technical side of things. While there are several courses we can take as video analysts, there honestly isn't any time.
"For good reason, though: because Frankfurt are so successful, there are always lots of different opponents to report on.
bundesliga.com: How many games do you go to in a season?
Russ: "For financial reasons, we mainly use still and video footage to analyse opponents. It is no longer an option to be at every game, given the time and effort needed. On top of that, the material provided by the DFL is so comprehensive that it is easier to work with. Actually, I only go to a game personally when we are facing a totally unfamiliar opponent and I want to get my own feel for them."
bundesliga.com: What does your work as an analyst look like?
Russ: "We receive the footage before each matchday, and the games are filmed from the centre of the pitch with a wide view. On top of that, we receive lots of data from the game: every pass, every dribble, positional data and so on. From there, we take out what we want to use, prepare it as required and then pass it on to the coaching staff."
Watch: Marco Russ's emotional comeback
Did you current job exist when you started your playing career over 20 years ago?
Russ: "No. The team around the playing squad was considerably smaller. When I made my debut in Bundesliga 2, 21 years ago, we had one trainer, two assistants and three physiotherapists. Any time Friedhelm Funkel [the then Frankfurt head coach] wanted to show us something about an upcoming opponent, he showed us a whole match via DVD. Since then, there have been plenty of developments in my current industry."
bundesliga.com: Do you remember who introduced you to video analysis at Eintracht?
Russ: "It was Marcel Daum, who joined us in 2011 along with his father. Things really gathered speed under Niko Kovač."
bundesliga.com: As a player, did you feel video analysis helped you?
Russ: "The benefits are obvious. When a coach used to tell you that you had a bad game, that opinion was often subjective. However, since the introduction of video analysis, you watch your mistakes back and learn from them. Although it is not only about finding out about your weaknesses, but also your strengths and how to highlight them in the next game."
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bundesliga.com: What results did you see from your work last season?
Russ: "I have recently been intensely studying set pieces. Offensively, we were one of the weakest teams from such situations two years ago. Last season, we were the third strongest."
bundesliga.com: Is there anything you miss from your playing days?
Russ: "The locker-room life. That joy of being with a bunch of grown-up guys and being able to do silly things. I think most ex-players feel the same way. Due to my Achilles tendon injury, I had a lot of time to think about ending my career. Then there was the coronavirus pandemic, which made it easier for me to say goodbye."
bundesliga.com: No more longing for 50,000 Frankfurt fans screaming your name?
Russ: "It was a wonderful time, but I made the most of it – whether in the Bundesliga or in Europe – and I'm at peace with myself."
bundesliga.com: Is it fair to say that the biggest challenge of your life took place during the relegation battle of the 2015/16 season, and it had nothing to do with football?
Russ: "Because my teammate, Änis Ben-Hatira, uploaded photos on social media showing him with syringes, rumours spread that doping was taking place at Eintracht. As a result, we were subsequently tested several times by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).
"I was even tested three times within two and a half weeks. One day, before the relegation first leg against Nuremberg, I was called into the office of our then-manager, Heribert Bruchhagen, where I was informed that my tests had revealed a significantly elevated beta-HCG level."
bundesliga.com: Were you accused of doping?
Russ: "I protested my innocence and the club officials believed me. During a urological examination, I learned the reason for the results was testicular cancer."
bundesliga.com: How did you deal with the news at the time?
Russ: "At first, I was surprisingly relaxed. A day later, I was leading my team onto the pitch as captain. I'll never forget how our fans unfurled a banner in the stands that read: "FIGHT AND WIN MARCO." I even scored an own goal in that game. A few days later, my right testicle, including the spermatic cord, was removed, and a silicone prosthesis was inserted. I watched the return match from my hospital bed. Fortunately, it ended well for us."
bundesliga.com: What happened next for you?
Russ: "I spent the summer of 2016 undergoing chemotherapy, the second treatment being really intense. From then on, it was all about getting back on the pitch as quickly as possible."
bundesliga.com: Pictures show you with a bald head at the start of the new season.
Russ: "I wanted people to see that I had overcome cancer – even if it might not have looked like it yet."
bundesliga.com: You made your comeback on 28 February, 2017, in a cup match against Arminia Bielefeld.
Russ: "It was an indescribable feeling. The game was called off a minute after I came on, but I didn't care. I remember the reactions to my return almost even more vividly; I received messages and support from all over Germany.
bundesliga.com: Since then, you've been one of the prominent faces in the fight against what have been termed men's diseases. Your book "Fight. Win. Live" was published in 2021. How do you explain your role as an ambassador?
Russ: "If I can help, I'm happy to. Especially when it comes to encouraging men to seek early screening. My cancer was discovered by chance, and it probably saved my life. Testicular and prostate examinations are still taboo subjects, and that needs to change.
"That's why I talk openly about them in interviews and at events—hence the book. Together with my girlfriend, I'm currently looking for a good idea for a charitable project. One of them, for example, is a plan to enable children with cancer to go to the cinema. In the fight against the disease, it's all about maintaining hope and faith."
bundesliga.com: Your appearance on the TV show, Showtime of My Life – Stars Against Cancer, caused quite a stir. What was it about?
Russ: The idea behind it was, If we can get naked in front of an audience of millions, no one should be afraid to go for cancer screening. At the same time, each of us participants shared our story. I met a lot of great people there and hopefully was able to contribute to raising the issue of testicular cancer even more in the mainstream.
bundesliga.com: It's been more than nine years since your diagnosis. Are you ever fearful the cancer will return?
Russ: Not afraid, but I've become more aware of my health. Back when I was a professional, I tried to ignore any pain or aches. Now, I listen more to my body's signals.
bundesliga.com: What are your plans for the future?
Russ: I think I'll get my coaching license soon, although in the long run, I see myself more as an assistant coach than on the front line. Football is and will always be my life. And I'm grateful for everything I've been able to experience in this life.
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