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HITZFELD: I DON'T LIKE TO BE CALLED "MESSIAH"
Ottmar Hitzfeld gave interview to Sport Express correspondent at the
international congress of leading football coaches, which ended in Vienna.
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Photo: english.sport-express.ru
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An outstanding German coach Ottmar Hitzfeld who is currently
in tenure with the Swiss national team is nicknamed "The Messiah"
in Swiss mass media until the team lost to Luxembourg in September, which
is possibly their most embarrassing defeat ever.
"I told everybody from the beginning that this nickname was an exaggeration,
I asked them to stop named me this way," said Hitzfeld.
"I am just a coach who won 25 major titles. Frankly speaking, when
I knew about this high nickname I wanted to drop everything and reject
the offer to take charge of the side. Everything, which is produced artificially,
never has future."
"Finally I decided to take on Swiss job not under pressure from mass
media, but for pleasure, which I receive from my work."
"I was offered to head national teams of England, Cameroon and Cote
d'Ivoire, but I acted as my heart dictated it, since I am half-Swiss.
I live in Germany within one kilometer from the Swiss boarder, and mentality
of these people is very familiar to me."
"Back in 2004 I got an offer to take over German national team, but
I had to reject it through health problems. This period of rest was the
best one in my life! I was got rid of constant stress, integral part of
coaching job."
"When I returned to work, I received invitations from Real, Chelsea
and Borussia, but once I got offer from Bayern Munich, I didn't hesitate
and accepted it immediately."
Sport
Express Daily, 25 Sep 2008
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