“I really like you too”
On live TV: Schweinsteiger and Sedlaczek joke with each other
April 24, 2026 – 3:01 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
After the cup semi-final between VfB Stuttgart and SC Freiburg, there was a strange exchange of words between the ARD duo. The reason: the final in Berlin.
VfB Stuttgart won 2-1 in a thrilling DFB Cup semi-final on Thursday evening against SC Freiburg, meaning the Swabians are back in the final in Berlin and want to defend their title from last year – against FC Bayern, who made it into the final for the first time since 2020 with a 1-0 win at Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.
The final on May 23rd is eagerly awaited, the game will then be broadcast on ARD. However, ARD presenter Esther Sedlaczek will not be there, as she revealed after the semi-finals on Thursday – in a strange conversation with her expert colleague Bastian Schweinsteiger. A curious dialogue developed between the well-rehearsed duo. Sedlaczek had already indicated a few moments before that she would be missing in Berlin. After the two had an interview with VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß and a superimposed conversation with Stuttgart’s top scorer Deniz Undav, the focus was on the upcoming final.
Sedlaczek: “What do you expect on May 23rd when I won’t be there? But Alex Schlüter (ARD presenter, editor’s note) by the way…”
Schweinsteiger: “Alex, I’m looking forward to seeing you!” (both laugh)
Sedlaczek (shakes his head in mock disappointment): “It’s so nice with you, Basti.”
Schweinsteiger (nudges her with his elbow): “Yes, I really like you too.”
Alex Schlüter will lead the broadcast from the Berlin Olympic Stadium. The 40-year-old moved to ARD last summer, where he alternates between hosting the “Sportschau” with Sedlaczek. And will now also be used directly in the DFB Cup final.
The duo of Berlin-born Sedlaczek and the 2014 world champion Schweinsteiger have proven themselves for years in the “Sportschau” TV broadcasts of DFB Cup and international matches on the first. Sedlaczek has also been hosting the “Sportschau” on Saturday evenings since 2021; her contract with ARD runs until 2029.