Hermann Gerland has many sayings in stock, he is not a yes man. National coach Hansi Flick appreciates his assistant for this. He's coming to Qatar for the World Cup - which Thomas Müller is also happy about.
Thomas Müller's anticipation of the World Cup increased again a few days ago. "I had the most fun and amusement over the years," Müller once said of his favorite coach, "with Hermann Gerland. I once sat in the car with him for three hours, so you don't need the radio anymore."
"Radio" Müller took over the sayings, and he also has a lot to thank Gerland for in other respects. Without the "Tiger", the Munich cult player would have ended up at TSG Hoffenheim at a young age, but thanks to Gerland, his meteoric rise to the record German champions began. Hoffenheim wanted to sign him in 2009, but Bayern coach Jürgen Klinsmann did not use him. But Gerland fought for Müller - and won.
Over the years, Müller and Gerland have collected countless titles at Bayern - and a really big one is to be added on the fourth Sunday of Advent. National coach Hansi Flick brought Gerland into his team as an assistant for the World Cup in Qatar (November 20 to December 18). A decision that not only pleases Müller.
"Hermann worked with the best coaches in the world," Flick explains this decision in the Süddeutsche Zeitung. "When he watches games for us, I can rely on his judgment 100%. His analysis is often a pleasure." Flick not only praises the 68-year-old's "good eye", "his direct manner will also do us good in the tournament".
After leaving Bayern Munich last year, Gerland was already used by Flick as a scout for the senior national team. He is also assistant to coach Antonio Di Salvo in the U21 team of the German Football Association (DFB). But Flick doesn't just appreciate Gerland's tactical skills. "I need trainers who don't say: great, trainer, great job, you're the best. I want trainers who also say: Hansi, I don't think that's right." Gerland is "particularly good at this because of his extensive experience".
Despite his age, Gerland also understands the language of youth. "When Hermann always says: Oh, old school! At Bayern, that was sometimes said about him. That annoys me," said Flick.
The eye for talent is Gerland's greatest strength. In addition to Müller, Bastian Schweinsteiger, David Alaba and Philipp Lahm also made the leap to the pros at FC Bayern under his guidance. Gerland once said to his wife about Lahm: "Gudrun, if it doesn't turn out to be a super player, I'll give my license back and become a volleyball or water polo coach."
Gerland was allowed to keep his license. Perhaps Flick shouldn’t just rely on his gut feeling at the desert World Cup. "I don't give a damn about feelings. Three times I had the feeling that I had fathered a son - and we have three daughters at home," said Gerland once.
