Ottmar Hitzfeld, German footballer and manager

Ottmar Hitzfeld, born on 12 January 1949, is a highly esteemed German former professional football player and manager. Affectionately known by his distinctive nickname, "der General" (The General), he forged a reputation as a tactical mastermind and a disciplined leader throughout his illustrious career. His remarkable achievements include accumulating an impressive total of 18 major titles, predominantly during his impactful tenures with Grasshopper Club Zürich, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayern Munich.

Before achieving widespread acclaim as a coach, Hitzfeld himself was a professional footballer, primarily playing as a striker. He notably represented FC Basel, where he was instrumental in winning two Swiss Super League titles and a Swiss Cup. He also had a spell with VfB Stuttgart in Germany. This practical experience on the pitch, combined with his unique academic background as a trained mathematician and sports teacher, profoundly influenced his coaching philosophy. His meticulous planning, strategic acumen, and analytical approach to the game are often attributed to his mathematical precision and pedagogical skills.

Hitzfeld's managerial journey began to truly flourish in Switzerland with Grasshopper Club Zürich, where he secured multiple Swiss Super League titles (1990, 1991) and Swiss Cups (1989, 1990). These early successes laid the foundation for his reputation as a formidable title winner, drawing attention from major German clubs.

His impact on German football was profound and transformative. With Borussia Dortmund, Hitzfeld engineered a golden era, leading the club to consecutive Bundesliga titles in 1995 and 1996. The pinnacle of his time with Dortmund came in 1997 when he guided the team to a historic UEFA Champions League victory, defeating the formidable Juventus in the final. This unexpected triumph cemented his status as one of Europe's elite coaches and earned him his first "World Coach of the Year" award that very year.

Following his success at Dortmund, Hitzfeld transitioned to FC Bayern Munich, where he continued to build on his legacy of excellence. During his two spells with the Bavarian giants, he led Bayern to an astounding five Bundesliga championships (1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2008) and three DFB-Pokal titles (2000, 2003, 2008). The highlight of his tenure at Bayern was undoubtedly the 2001 UEFA Champions League victory, where his team overcame Valencia in a dramatic penalty shootout. This second Champions League title with a different club led to him receiving his second "World Coach of the Year" accolade in 2001.

Ottmar Hitzfeld holds a distinguished place in football history as one of only five managers to win the European Cup/UEFA Champions League with two different clubs. He shares this exclusive achievement with an esteemed group of coaching legends: Ernst Happel, José Mourinho, Jupp Heynckes, and Carlo Ancelotti. His remarkable career is a testament to his exceptional tactical intelligence, his unwavering discipline, and his unparalleled ability to consistently deliver major silverware.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ottmar Hitzfeld

What is Ottmar Hitzfeld's famous nickname?

He is widely known as "der General," which translates from German to "The General." This nickname reflects his highly disciplined approach, strategic thinking, and commanding presence as a football manager.

Which major clubs did Ottmar Hitzfeld manage to win titles with?

Ottmar Hitzfeld achieved significant success and accumulated numerous major titles while managing Grasshopper Club Zürich in Switzerland, and two prominent German clubs, Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich.

How many UEFA Champions League titles did Ottmar Hitzfeld win, and with which teams?

He won the UEFA Champions League twice. His first victory was with Borussia Dortmund in 1997, and his second came with FC Bayern Munich in 2001. This places him among an elite group of managers who have won the competition with two different clubs.

What was Ottmar Hitzfeld's background before becoming a football manager?

Before his illustrious coaching career, Ottmar Hitzfeld was a professional football player (striker) and also pursued higher education, becoming a trained mathematician and sports teacher. His analytical mind and pedagogical skills are often cited as key to his coaching success.

How many times was Ottmar Hitzfeld named "World Coach of the Year"?

Ottmar Hitzfeld was honored as "World Coach of the Year" on two occasions: first in 1997, after leading Borussia Dortmund to Champions League glory, and again in 2001, following Bayern Munich's Champions League triumph.