Sepp Herberger

1.1. Birth, Childhood, and Family Background

Josef Herberger was born on March 28, 1897, in Mannheim, then part of the German Empire. He grew up in a poor, Catholic family of farmers who had relocated to Mannheim to find work in the local Saint-Gobain glass factory. This upbringing in a working-class environment likely instilled in him a resilient character and a pragmatic approach to life.

1.2. Player Career

Herberger played as a striker for several clubs during his playing career. He began at Waldhof Mannheim, where he played from 1914 to 1921, making 127 appearances and scoring 101 goals. He then moved to VfR Mannheim, playing from 1922 to 1926, with 66 appearances and 55 goals. In 1925, he notably won the South German Championship with VfR Mannheim. His final club was Tennis Borussia Berlin, where he played from 1926 to 1930, accumulating 43 appearances and 30 goals. Across his club career, he amassed 236 appearances and scored 186 goals.

Herberger also represented the German national team three times between 1921 and 1925, scoring two goals. His international playing record is detailed as follows:

2.1. Early Coaching and Assistant Role

Herberger's transition into coaching began in the late 1920s. He managed SV Nowawes 03 from 1928 to 1929 and Tennis Borussia Berlin from 1930 to 1932. He also coached the regional team of Western Germany from 1932 to 1933. In 1932, he became the assistant coach for the German national team under Otto Nerz. This role provided him with valuable experience at the national level, preparing him for the top managerial position.

2.2. National Team Manager (1936-1942)

Herberger succeeded Otto Nerz as the national coach after Germany's performance at the 1936 Summer Olympics, where they suffered an uninspired loss to Norway in the quarter-finals. He took over the full managerial role for the German national team in 1936. During this initial tenure, he famously coached the "Breslau Eleven", which is considered one of the greatest teams in German football history. He led the team through the 1938 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the round of 16. His coaching activities with the national team continued until 1942, when team operations were suspended due to the outbreak of World War II.

2.3. Post-War Return and West Germany Manager (1950-1964)

After World War II, Herberger played a crucial role in the reconstruction of German football. He had a brief interim spell as coach with Eintracht Frankfurt from 1945 to 1946. In 1949, he began serving as the head of coach development at the German Sport University Cologne, a position that allowed him to significantly influence the next generation of German football coaches.

With the German Football Association's readmission to FIFA, Herberger was recalled as the national team coach in 1950. He remained in this position, leading the West Germany national team, until 1964, when he was succeeded by Helmut Schön. During this period, he not only achieved the greatest success in German football history but also continued to shape the sport. Beyond the 1954 triumph, he led West Germany to a respectable fourth place in the 1958 FIFA World Cup and to the quarter-finals (best eight) in the 1962 FIFA World Cup.

Herberger's coaching record at the national team level is as follows:

2.4. 1954 FIFA World Cup: The Miracle of Bern

The crowning achievement of Herberger's career was the 1954 FIFA World Cup victory, widely known as "The Miracle of Bern." Going into the tournament, the Hungarian national team, also known as the "Golden Team" or the "Mighty Magyars," were the overwhelming favorites. They had been undefeated for four years, were the reigning Olympic champions, and had won the 1948-53 Central European International Cup in 1953, featuring legendary players like Ferenc Puskás.

In the group stage, Hungary had demonstrated their dominance, outscoring their opponents 17-3 in two games, while West Germany had been outscored 9-7. In their direct group stage encounter, Hungary had crushed West Germany with an 8-3 victory.

The final match, played in heavy rain in Bern, Switzerland, saw Hungary quickly take a two-goal lead. However, West Germany, under Herberger's guidance, showed remarkable resilience. They pulled one goal back within two minutes and equalized just eight minutes later. Despite Hungary creating more chances throughout the remainder of the game, they were unable to score. With only six minutes left in the match, West Germany scored their third goal, winning the final 3-2.

Herberger's strategic decisions were crucial to this upset. He was credited with fielding a below-strength and largely out-of-position team in the initial group stage match against Hungary to disguise his team's true strengths. He also provided defensive support to his star player, Fritz Walter, allowing Walter to concentrate his energies on attacking. Furthermore, Herberger instructed his team to attack the Hungarian penalty area from the wings rather than through the middle, exploiting tactical weaknesses. This victory was a defining moment for post-war Germany, symbolizing resilience and a new beginning.

3.1. Coaching Philosophy

Herberger is widely recognized as the "father of German football" due to his profound dedication to the development of the sport. His coaching methodology emphasized rigorous training, tactical discipline, and a deep understanding of the game's psychological aspects. A significant part of his legacy lies in his commitment to fostering future coaching talent. He mentored numerous individuals who would go on to become highly influential coaches themselves, including figures like Dettmar Cramer and Hennes Weisweiler, both of whom also had significant impacts on international football. Through his work, particularly at the German Sport University Cologne, Herberger laid the groundwork for the advancement of coaching education and overall football development in Germany. His vision and systematic approach profoundly influenced the sport for decades.

3.2. Notable Sayings

Herberger's wisdom is encapsulated in several famous quotes that have become integral to German football culture. These sayings reflect his pragmatic view of the game and his deep understanding of its enduring principles.

One of his most iconic sayings is "Nach dem Spiel ist vor dem Spiel_{After the game is before the game}^German", meaning "After the game is before the game." This quote emphasizes the continuous nature of competition and the importance of immediate preparation for future challenges, regardless of past outcomes.

Another frequently quoted phrase is "Der Ball ist rund_{The ball is round}^German", translating to "The ball is round," often followed by "und das Spiel dauert 90 Minuten_{and the game lasts 90 minutes}^German", "and the game lasts 90 minutes." This combination underscores the unpredictable nature of football (anything can happen with a round ball) and the fact that a match is not over until the final whistle, no matter the score. This combined saying is prominently featured in the beginning of the 1998 film Run Lola Run and the 2003 film The Miracle of Bern. Herberger is also quoted with variations such as "The ball is round so that the game can change direction."

Other notable sayings attributed to Herberger include:

• "Das nächste Spiel/Der nächste Gegner ist immer das/der schwerste_{The next game/opponent is always the toughest one}^German" ("The next game/opponent is always the toughest one"). This highlights the need for constant focus and respect for every opponent.
• "Der Ball hat immer die beste Kondition_{The ball is always in better shape than anyone}^German" ("The ball is always in better shape than anyone"). This humorous quote emphasizes the ball's central role and its tireless nature in contrast to human players.

These aphorisms not only provided philosophical guidance but also became part of popular culture, enduring as timeless expressions of football's essence.

4.1. Nazi Party Membership

Sepp Herberger joined the Nazi Party in 1933, the year Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany. During this period, like many other sports figures, Herberger cooperated with the Nazi regime's propaganda efforts, particularly during the Berlin Olympics. His involvement with the party and his actions during that time led to scrutiny and criticism after World War II, as occupying forces investigated his past.

The controversy resurfaced decades later when his nomination to Germany's Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 sparked public debate and criticism due to his Nazi past. This historical scrutiny reflects ongoing efforts to reconcile the legacy of prominent German figures with their roles during a dark period of history.

5.1. As a Player

As a player, Herberger's notable achievement was:

• South German Championship: 1925, with VfR Mannheim.

5.2. As a Manager

His most significant achievement as a manager was:

• FIFA World Cup: 1954, with West Germany.

5.3. Individual Honors and Distinctions

Beyond team titles, Herberger received individual accolades for his contributions to football:

• He was recognized as one of the "20th Greatest Managers of All Time" by World Soccer magazine in 2013.
• He was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Stern und Schulterband_{Grand Cross with Star and Shoulder Ribbon}^German).

6.1. Impact on German Football

Herberger's contributions were pivotal in the reconstruction of sports in post-World War II Germany. He dedicated significant effort to developing future coaches and players, thereby ensuring the long-term health and success of German football. His visionary approach and commitment to fostering talent, particularly through his work at the German Sport University Cologne, earned him the title of "father of German football." His tactical acumen and emphasis on teamwork and discipline set a standard that influenced generations of coaches and players who followed in his footsteps.

6.2. Cultural References

Sepp Herberger's life and his memorable sayings have been immortalized in various forms of popular culture. His quotes are famously featured in the 1998 German film Run Lola Run, where two of his popular sayings, "After the game is before the game" and the amalgamation "The ball is round and the game lasts 90 minutes," are quoted at the beginning.

The 2003 film, The Miracle of Bern, directly dramatizes Herberger and his team's journey to victory in the 1954 FIFA World Cup, showcasing his leadership and featuring a number of his well-known quotations. Additionally, Herberger also appeared in the 1942 German film Das Große Spiel, further cementing his presence in German cultural memory.

7.1. Personal Life

Information about Herberger's personal life is limited, but it is known that he originated from a poor, Catholic farming family in Mannheim. This background likely shaped his disciplined and grounded approach to life and his career.

7.2. Death

Sepp Herberger died on April 28, 1977, in Weinheim-Hohensachsen, a district of Weinheim near Mannheim. He was 80 years old. His death was caused by pneumonia.