Hanging lace: More than just a cucumber gate

Pulses are known to be generally very healthy, especially for vegetarians and vegans, who, according to Uli Hoeneß, basically all get sick. Among the many strengths of pulses is that they can help lower blood pressure and contain sufficient fiber. Both properties make them ideal foods for professional footballers, especially those attending Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona matches (blood pressure!) or those fighting against relegation, because thanks to the pulses, no additional ballast is needed and you can therefore play with a sense of freedom. In this respect, a big thank you goes to Paderborn coach Lukas Kwasniok, who is currently fighting for promotion to the second division with his team. While the TV reporter called the goal Paderborn conceded in the 1-1 draw against Elversberg a "cucumber goal," Kwasniok spoke of a "pea" conceded in stoppage time.

So, at this point, a warm welcome to the legume, which had never before appeared on the list of ingredients in German football metaphors, except perhaps for former coach Hannes Linßen. For decades, the legume had to witness how, in the bread-and-butter business of the Bundesliga, the international meat pots were the icing on the cake, even though the grapes had been hanging high. And it wasn't uncommon for the referee to once again have tomatoes on his eyes while a banana cross came flying in a match for the golden pineapple.

Lukas Kwasniok suspects that his Paderborn team needs balls in the promotion battle. However, it's possible that their next opponents won't care a bit.