"Even Bayern can taste humiliation!" Rehhagel's bitter goodbye from Werder Bremen
Werder Bremen's unfortunate separation from manager Otto Rehhagel
By Ben RedelingsFacebookTwitterWhatsappE-MailPrintCopy Link
Bid farewell to Werder Bremen after an incredible 14 years, Otto Rehhagel embarked on a new challenge in Munich with the mighty Bayern. But the transitions were far from smooth.
The home match against Werder Bremen in the last game of 1994/95 season saw Bayern emerging victorious, 3-1, thus indirectly crowning Borussia Dortmund as the new German champions. A tad of luck could have granted Werder a point to secure the title, but the Bayern's players dashed the young coach Rehhagel's beautiful farewell at his beloved club.
One week before, the world of trainers was in order, with emotional farewells and warm words exchanged between trainer and supporters. However, this was not without a reminder that the good ol' coach was always welcome back.
Football Fiasco in Munich
The sporting start of the season's 34th matchday was not promising for Rehhagel in Munich. The press pounced on their new coach, and when the tabloids discovered that his doorbell read "Rubens" instead of "Rehhagel", they couldn't resist mocking him. From then on, the players only referred to the coach as "Rubens."
The FC Bayern's adventure with Otto Rehhagel was set to end by mid-February 1996, as indicated by a 0:1 defeat against Hansa Rostock on the 30th matchday. After parting ways with Otto Rehhagel, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge commented, "The time had come for us to react."
Just two years later, Otto Rehhagel was back on top for good. After a sensational promotion with 1. FC Kaiserslautern from the second to the first Bundesliga, the Palatinate team began the following season with a sensational win, of all places, against Bayern Munich. Little did anyone know at that time; it was just the beginning of a miraculous season. In the end, Otto Rehhagel led the Red Devils to a German championship, relegating FC Bayern Munich to second place in the table.
Bonus Facts:
- Rehhagel was known for his authoritative style and high work ethic during his time at Werder Bremen. He often demanded a lot from his players and had a reputation for being exacting and disciplined.
- While with Werder Bremen, Rehhagel coached some of the best players in German football, including Torsten Frings, Tim Borowski, and Miroslav Klose.
- In 2004, Rehhagel led Greece to an unexpected victory in the UEFA Euro Championships, earning him God-like status in Greece. In a now well-known television interview, a Greek supporter asked Rehhagel to touch her belly, which she claimed was swollen with his baby. Rehhagel laughed and obliged, saying "If it's a boy, I'll name him Otto!"
Rehhagel's surprising departure from Bayern Munich and the impressive subsequent success he achieved with 1. FC Kaiserslautern left a lasting impact on German football history
- Ben Redelings is a bestselling author and comedian from the Ruhr area.
- His book "A Goal Would Do the Game Good. The Ultimate Book of Football Truths" has just been published in an updated and expanded new edition!
- With his football programs, he is on tour throughout Germany. Information & dates at www.scudetto.de.
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of Article 93 (2) of the Treaty regarding the sensational promotion of 1. FC Kaiserslautern from the second to the first Bundesliga, a feat accomplished under the guidance of Otto Rehhagel, who had earlier tasted humiliation in Munich during his stint with the Premier League's European-leagues counterpart, FC Bayern.
