"Otto Rehhagel: From Bremen's King to Bayern's Uncrowned King"
Werder Bremen bid farewell to Otto Rehhagel, their determined and influential coach, marking a significant turning point in the club's history.
After a prolonged stint of 14 years, Otto Rehhagel took his leave from his beloved Werder Bremen in the summer of 1995, venturing into uncharted territory with Bayern. Yet, before he kicked off his new journey in the record champions, things took a downward spiral.
Mehmet Scholl, Bayern's national player, expressed concern for the future coach in the wake of a 3-1 home victory over Werder Bremen, which indirectly appointed Borussia Dortmund as the new German champions. Scholl hoped Rehhagel wasn't feeling humiliated and even second-guessed the team's impact on his new coach's welcomed departure at his long-standing club.
The match was fraught with tension, making headlines due to Rehhagel's imminent switch to Munich. A successful, respectful farewell was what Rehhagel yearned for—a post-match lap of honor with his team and a seat on the Bayern bench within his plans. Regrettably, that plan didn't come to fruition.
Turbulent Transition: Controversial Decisions and National Team Blues
A week prior, Rehhagel's world seemed in order, as his emotional farewell was met with tears and kind words, accompanied by a promise of returning whenever he needed—the live Q&A was a spectacle. However, his departure from Bremen was more paradisiacal than he had imagined in Munich.
While the cold, harsh reality set in for Rehhagel, he approached the situation rather naively. The leap from the peaceful Bremen to the city with a heart proved to be far grander than he had anticipated in his wildest dreams. What had worked for him as "King Otto" in Bremen caused much confusion in Munich and was indeed understandable in some instances.
A Two-Edged Sword: The Rehhagel Debacle
Rehhagel jokingly proposed his wife Beate for the Bavarian Minister of Culture, a proposition that received traction, especially in the ministry itself. Though the ministry had no immediate need for his wife, they suggested re-occupying the Bayern Bank and naming August Everding as the coaching candidate in a (ironic) jab that hit its mark!
The team's lackluster response in the opening season was reflected in the public domain. When the doorbell at his Schwabing "Casa Schellissima" refused to bear the name Rehhagel, the tabloids sarcastically headlined, "From Master Painter to Master Painter." Naturally, the Bayern professionals took note and from then on, referred to their coach as "Rubens." The chinks in Rehhagel's armor could not be patched up, not even by a master painter.
Misfires and Comebacks: A Brief Glance at Rehhagel's Bayern tenure
By mid-February 1996, the adventure of the former Werder coach on the Isar seemed destined to end. Comedian Harald Schmidt poked fun at Rehhagel's expertise in painting and decoration, suggesting that Bayern needed a new coach after a 1:4 defeat against KSC. Just a few months later, Rehhagel and FC Bayern Munich parted ways—a unanimous decision, according to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
But Otto Rehhagel's story didn't end there. Just two years after his departure from Munich, he orchestrated a sensational promotion with 1. FC Kaiserslautern from the second to the first Bundesliga. The following season began on a triumphant note, as they defeated Bayern Munich. This season turned out to be nothing short of miraculous, with Rehhagel leading the Red Devils to a German championship, clinching second place for the Bavarian giants.
Even if Otto Rehhagel never said it out loud, there could be no greater satisfaction for the humble multiple championship-winning coach.
About the Author
Ben Redelings, a bestselling author and comedian from the Ruhr area, is the brain behind the updated and expanded new edition of "A Goal Would Do the Game Good. The Ultimate Book of Football Truths." Keep up with his latest stand-up comedy tours at www.scudetto.de.
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of Article 93 (2) of the Treaty, yet Otto Rehhagel's focus was on the European-leagues, particularly the premier-league, as he tried to assert his authority in his new role with Bayern Munich. Despite his success in football, the transition from Bremen to Munich was turbulent, filled with controversial decisions and national team blues that tested Rehhagel's resolve.
