Philip Kuhn: “Returning to European competitions was only the first step”

Apollon Limassol goalkeeper Philip Kuhn will continue to protect the club’s goal after renewing his contract for one more year.

The German goalkeeper, who developed into one of the team’s key figures through both difficult and intense moments, speaks about his decision to remain at Apollon, his relationship with the fans, the mentality built within the squad over the last few months and the ambitions for the future.

This is the second time you renew your contract with Apollon. What does this mean to you?

I’m very happy to renew my contract. I’ve had one and a half years full of intense experiences here. Not only good moments, but also difficult situations from which I learned a lot.

What we created during the last few months, the progress of the team and our return to European football made the decision easier for me. We had very good discussions with the club and for me it felt natural to continue here.

What made you want to stay?

First of all, we achieved our first big goal, which was returning to Europe. That was very important both for me personally and for the club.

At the same time, I see development within the team. I believe we can build something even stronger over the next years and fight for bigger goals.

It was quite an easy decision, although of course I had to think about some details and my family situation, especially with my children being in Germany.

But I feel very good here, I’m happy at Apollon and it didn’t take me long to make my decision.

In your first interview you said you had a good feeling from day one. Was that feeling confirmed?

Yes, absolutely. From the first moment I arrived, everyone at the club was very helpful and kind to me.

The fans, the staff, my teammates, everyone created a very good environment. I feel that Apollon is building a real family and that is not something common in football.

When did you truly feel part of the Apollon family?

I felt comfortable here very early, but the special feeling really started to grow when we began winning games consistently after December and the New Year period.

We had the feeling that we could beat anyone and that brought the team even closer together. A special belief was created inside the group.

You arrived during a difficult period for the club. Looking back, what stands out the most?

When I arrived, three coaches changed within a few weeks and there was a lot of pressure. It wasn’t easy for me personally either because I had to fight for my position.

But I kept working, stayed patient and I believe I came back stronger.

How do you feel now in Cyprus and at Apollon?

Very comfortable. Cyprus has become my second home. We are not far from Germany, there are direct flights and in general I feel very good here.

I’m really happy with my life and my daily routine in Cyprus.

Are you thinking about learning Greek?

Now I can start trying! I used to say that first I had to renew my contract and then I could start learning Greek.

It’s a difficult language, especially with the different letters, but I will try.

How have you changed as a person and as a footballer since coming to Cyprus?

As a person, I remain the same. I grew up in Germany with discipline and respect and these are things I try to show every day.

I want to be an example for the younger players, both on and off the pitch. For me, respect is the most important thing.

The team returned to European competitions and reached the Cup Final. How do you look at the season overall?

If we think about where we were in September or November, what we achieved is really important.

We had a very difficult start, but during the last six months we created an excellent group, reached a Cup Final after many years and returned to European competitions. We are proud of that.

What do you consider the team’s turning point?

The win against Pafos after the New Year. If we had not won that game, maybe many people would not have believed we could finish in the top three.

From that moment on, we truly started believing in ourselves.

What was the biggest moment of the season for you as a goalkeeper?

The match against APOEL and qualifying for the Cup Final was one of the biggest moments of the season.

We delivered a very good performance, kept a clean sheet after several games and realised that Apollon was returning to a final after eight years.

Do you feel a bigger responsibility inside the team now?

Yes, because now I have a different role here. As a goalkeeper, you always know you must fight for your place and that never changes.

I will continue to work and fight every day because I know every season is a new challenge.

The fans supported you from the beginning. How important was that for you?

Very important. My debut and the first period were not easy for either me or the team, but slowly a very good relationship was built.

I feel that the fans respect my mentality and the way I play and that makes me proud.

Do you believe this team is building something special?

Yes, I truly believe it. Especially during the last few months, with so many games in a short period of time, injuries and absences, everyone showed how united we are.

A small example is Lazar Marković. Despite the great career he has had, he is someone who respects everyone in the dressing room and helps the team every day with his behaviour and mentality.

It is important when young and experienced players all work for the good of the team. That is one of our biggest strengths.

What are your goals for next season?

We want to quickly build a strong team again and try to reach the league phase of a European competition.

Personally, I want to continue fighting for trophies. Apollon must compete for the league title and the Cup every year.

If you could speak to yourself when you first arrived in Cyprus in 2024, what would you say?

I would tell myself it was the right decision. It was the first time I left Germany and I wanted a new challenge.

Now I can confidently say that coming to Apollon was the best choice I could have made.

What message would you like to send to the Apollon fans?

I want them to continue standing by us like they always do. When our fans are with us, we become even stronger.

We are like a family and when we stay united, it becomes very difficult for anyone to stop us.