Emotional Farewell: Voss-Tecklenburg Opens Up
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg (55) shares her emotions for the first time since stepping down as the German women's national coach (2018 - 2023).
Stumbling Blocks in the World Cup Preliminaries and Mental Health Troubles
The European Championship runner-up faced a disappointing elimination in the 2023 World Cup preliminary round.
Voss-Tecklenburg admitted to struggles with mental problems, causing a near-collapse during a conversation with her husband. This period was marked by sleepless nights, stomach ailments, and overwhelming stress.
Determined to Carry On
Despite acknowledging her struggles, Voss-Tecklenburg wanted to face the challenges and persist as coach. She made this decision after conducting a personal analysis. However, she confessed to constantly questioning her ability to continue.
Breakdown and Recovery
Following the breakdown, Voss-Tecklenburg battled an illness, leaving her in a state of emotional turmoil. She claimed that her mind was blank, and she was unable to think constructively.
Public Appearances and Criticism
Voss-Tecklenburg faced criticism for participating in public events before her official recovery, a decision she now acknowledges as a mistake. She should have at least informed relevant parties about her condition at that time.
Women's Football in the Spotlight
Voss-Tecklenburg's departure and mental health issues allowed women's football to garner significant attention. Her interview on ZDF focused on her decision to continue coaching despite her issues, echoing similar struggles shared by female soccer players.
Inspirational Keynotes and Leadership Lessons
Despite the challenges, Voss-Tecklenburg continued to inspire and share lessons from her experiences in sports. She delivered a keynote at the Personal Management Congress (PMK) 2025, addressing themes of leadership and team dynamics.
Enrichment Insights
Sources do not explicitly mention Voss-Tecklenburg's mental health issues or the team's poor performance in the 2023 World Cup preliminary round as factors influencing her decision to continue coaching. However, she remained an influential figure in German women's football, delivering public speeches and leading from the front.iegoing forward, her resilience and commitment served as an inspiration to many in the field.
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