Rockin' Retirement: Lieberknecht's Second Division Return and Football Forever
Seniors still packing the heat
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link After a brief hiatus from the public eye, Torsten Lieberknecht returns to the fray with a new chapter in the 2nd division - SV Darmstadt 98. In an open interview with ntv.de, the charismatic coach shares his thoughts on the end of a coaching career, the undying allure of football, and his impending return.
Torsten Lieberknecht, the man who led Eintracht Braunschweig and SV Darmstadt 98 to Bundesliga glory, is a self-confessed fan of the analog world. He thrives in the lap of history, be it bars or football clubs. But when the spotlight fades, he transforms into a humble family man, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead - starting with an interview with ntv.de.
Interviewer: Herr Lieberknecht, you left SV Darmstadt after just four matches into the current season. What goes through your mind when the glaring limelight is no longer your concern?
Lieberknecht: First and foremost, you find yourself engulfed in the memories of what was. It's a tough process, and it takes a while to make sense of it all. With distance, you gain a new perspective. During this phase, I discovered the depth of my wife's day-to-day toil - taking care of the kids, school, housework, you name it. I realized that I had been taking for granted the crucial role she played despite my hectic coaching schedule.
What comes next when the initial storm subsides?
Lieberknecht: The itch returns. The desire to get back in the game flickers, and I was fortunate to have a golden opportunity with Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace. He invited me to join him for a week, and the experience was invaluable. My family remains my top priority, but I also made time for additional training and education - not just with Glasner, but also by improving my English and brushing up on my tactics.**
Is there ever a break in football? Or is it a constant, relentless pursuit?
Lieberknecht: Football never truly leaves. It's a part of my family, an unshakeable presence. My son also plays, and I take pride in supporting him when I can. To find peace from football, I immerse myself in monotonous activities, like playing the guitar. There, I can forget everything else and lose myself in the rhythm.**
How did your love affair with the guitar begin?
Lieberknecht: It all started in Braunschweig. I stumbled upon a fantastic guitar teacher named Ulf Hartmann, and I've always been a music enthusiast at heart. My fascination with the old blues legends - the likes of Rory Gallagher, Jimi Hendrix, and Aynsley Lister – led me to the guitar.**
Why did Aynsley Lister captivate you the most?
Lieberknecht: I first saw Aynsley in a small blues bar in Brunswick in March 2018. I was mere meters away, and his performance left an indelible mark on me. It rekindled a long-suppressed desire to create music, and I picked up the guitar shortly after.**
Your journey into coaching began somewhat unassumingly. After retiring as a player, you took over the U19 team in Brunswick, moving up the ranks to youth department coordinator, member of the presidency, and finally, head coach. What's the secret to becoming a successful coach?
Lieberknecht: Wolfgang Frank, my mentor at Mainz 05, played a significant role in shaping my coaching philosophy. During the late 00s and early 10s, we focused on zonal marking, 4-4-2 formation, and refining our tactics. Though the details were subtle, they made a world of difference in the 2nd Bundesliga.**
How did the players respond to the greenhorn coach Lieberknecht? You had recently retired and played with them just a few months ago...
Lieberknecht: It was a trying time, as I had to prove my abilities as a coach. The players were already tired of me discussing tactics as a player, now they had to implement them too. However, I always kept the lines of communication open, and we shared a mutual respect and understanding.**
After Eintracht's descent from the Bundesliga in 2014, you introduced a new systematics.
Lieberknecht: We were the first team in Germany to consistently play with a three-man chain system. We employed it defensively in a 5-4-1 formation during the 2014/2015 season.
What inspired you to make such a bold move?
Lieberknecht: I looked beyond the horizon to learn from the success of teams like Chile and Costa Rica, who had used the three-chain system at the 2014 World Cup. I'm a believer in the potential of this system to press aggressively and play intricate man-to-man defense.**
How does the three-chain system impact the opposition's strategy?
Lieberknecht: It puts the opposition under extreme pressure and leaves little room for error. They are forced to adapt to the new environment, either through managed possession or by developing agile players capable of navigating the spaces between the lines - like Jamal Musiala at Bayern.**
Is the three-chain system a popular tactical trend in German football?
Lieberknecht: Though it's challenging to pinpoint specific trends, it's interesting to observe that several teams in the top two divisions have shown a preference for a three-chain system in recent years. The system offers a balanced approach, combining defensive stability with the ability to press effectively.**
I've noticed that teams are increasingly playing with two traditional strikers again. Why did this trend disappear, and why is it making a comeback now?
Lieberknecht: FC Bayern's acquisition of Robert Lewandowski in 2014 marked a shift in emphasis towards build-up play and exploiting multi-dimensional forwards. However, due to the dominance of Pep Guardiola's philosophy in German football, traditional strikers were overlooked. Now, with a renewed focus on counterattacking football, the need for physicality and prowess in the box has resurfaced.**
What do you consider the key qualities of a successful coach aside from technical competence?
Lieberknecht: I think it's crucial for a coach to understand and embody the spirit of the club. I see myself as a representative of the club and the city, dedicated to understanding its history and continuing its legacy. Apart from technical abilities, emotional intelligence and empathy are essential components of a successful coach.**
You've had tremendous success at three clubs: Eintracht Braunschweig, SV Darmstadt 98, and SV Sandhausen. Is there a club you feel particularly connected to?
Lieberknecht: Each club has its unique charm and history. I feel fortunate to have played a part in the success stories of all these clubs. However, Braunschweig holds a special place in my heart. It was my first head-coaching job, and I learned invaluable lessons there that served me well in my subsequent roles.**
Looking forward, what can we expect from you in the future?
Lieberknecht: I'm eager to embrace fresh challenges and contribute to another team's success. I'm fully committed to the game, and I believe I still have much to offer on the sidelines.
Lieberknecht shared his thoughts during the interview about the disappearance of traditional strikers, stating, "Now, with a renewed focus on counterattacking football, the need for physicality and prowess in the box has resurfaced."
As Lieberknecht recounted his coaching journey in the interview, he emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy, saying, "Apart from technical abilities, emotional intelligence and empathy are essential components of a successful coach."
Addressing the undying allure of football, Lieberknecht revealed, "The itch returns. The desire to get back in the game flickers, and I was fortunate to have a golden opportunity with Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace."
