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Ottmar Hitzfeld

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Ottmar Hitzfeld
NameOttmar Hitzfeld
CaptionHitzfeld in 2010
Birth date12 January 1949
Birth placeLörrach, Germany
PositionStriker
Years11967–1971
Clubs1FC Lörrach
Years21971–1975
Clubs2FC Basel
Years31975–1978
Clubs3VfB Stuttgart
Years41978–1980
Clubs4FC Lugano
Years51980–1983
Clubs5FC Luzern
Manageryears11983–1984
Managerclubs1FC Zug
Manageryears21984–1988
Managerclubs2FC Aarau
Manageryears31988–1991
Managerclubs3Grasshopper Club Zürich
Manageryears41991–1997
Managerclubs4Borussia Dortmund
Manageryears51998–2004
Managerclubs5FC Bayern Munich
Manageryears62007–2008
Managerclubs6FC Bayern Munich
Manageryears72008–2014
Managerclubs7Switzerland

Ottmar Hitzfeld is a German former professional football player and manager, widely regarded as one of the most successful coaches in European football history. His managerial career is distinguished by winning multiple domestic and international titles with two different clubs, most notably leading Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich to UEFA Champions League glory. Known for his tactical acumen, psychological mastery, and disciplined approach, Hitzfeld earned the nickname "Der General" for his authoritative leadership style. He later guided the Swiss national team to several major tournaments before retiring from management in 2014.

Early life and playing career

Born in Lörrach in the Baden-Württemberg region, Hitzfeld's early football development occurred at local club FC Lörrach. His professional playing career began in Switzerland with FC Basel, where he won the Swiss championship in 1972 and finished as the league's top scorer in 1973. He returned to Germany in 1975 to play for VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, scoring 38 goals in 77 league appearances over three seasons. Hitzfeld concluded his playing career back in Switzerland with spells at FC Lugano and FC Luzern, retiring in 1983 after a solid career as a prolific striker.

Managerial career

Hitzfeld's transition to management started in the Swiss lower leagues with FC Zug before achieving his first major success at FC Aarau, winning the Swiss Cup in 1985. His reputation grew at Grasshopper Club Zürich, where he secured a domestic double of the league and cup in 1990. In 1991, he returned to Germany to manage Borussia Dortmund, building a formidable team that won consecutive Bundesliga titles in 1995 and 1996. The pinnacle came in 1997 when Dortmund defeated Juventus to win the UEFA Champions League. Hitzfeld then moved to rivals FC Bayern Munich in 1998, where he enjoyed immense success, winning four Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokal crowns, and the UEFA Champions League again in 2001, defeating Valencia in a dramatic penalty shootout. After a brief retirement, he returned for a second stint at Bayern in 2007, winning a domestic double. From 2008 to 2014, he served as manager of the Switzerland national football team, leading them to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2008, and 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Managerial style and legacy

Renowned for his meticulous preparation and tactical flexibility, Hitzfeld was a master of adapting formations to neutralize opponents, often employing a disciplined and organized defensive structure. He was a pioneering figure in emphasizing sports psychology, man-management, and creating a strong collective team spirit, earning immense respect from players like Matthias Sammer, Stefan Effenberg, and Oliver Kahn. His legacy is cemented by being one of only five managers to win the UEFA Champions League with two different clubs, a feat that places him among the elite coaches in the history of European football. His influence extended to the international stage, where he successfully modernized the Swiss national team's approach.

Personal life

Away from football, Hitzfeld is known for his private and family-oriented life. He is married and has children, maintaining a residence in the Lake Constance region. An avid chess player and skiing enthusiast, he holds a degree in mathematics and sports, which informed his analytical approach to coaching. Since retirement, he has worked as a television pundit for Sky Deutschland and remains a respected commentator on the Bundesliga and European football.

Honours

As a player

FC Basel * Swiss Super League: 1971–72 * Swiss Cup: 1974–75

As a manager

Grasshopper Club Zürich * Swiss Super League: 1989–90, 1990–91 * Swiss Cup: 1988–89, 1989–90

Borussia Dortmund * Bundesliga: 1994–95, 1995–96 * DFB-Supercup: 1995, 1996 * UEFA Champions League: 1996–97 * Intercontinental Cup: 1997

FC Bayern Munich * Bundesliga: 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2007–08 * DFB-Pokal: 1999–2000, 2002–03, 2007–08 * DFB-Ligapokal: 1998, 1999, 2000 * UEFA Champions League: 2000–01 * Intercontinental Cup: 2001

Individual * World Soccer Manager of the Year: 1997 * German Football Manager of the Year: 2008 * IFFHS World's Best Club Coach: 1997, 2001

Category:1949 births Category:Living people Category:German footballers Category:German football managers Category:Bundesliga managers Category:UEFA Champions League winning managers