Unveiling reasons behind Hitzfeld's inability to secure the role as national coach.
Former Football Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles
In an upcoming book, Swiss journalist Andreas Boeni reveals that Ottmar Hitzfeld, the renowned football coach who led Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich to Champions League victories, turned down the offer to become Germany's national coach in 2004 primarily due to exhaustion and concerns over his mental health [1].
Hitzfeld, known for his stoic public demeanor as a coach, faced mental exhaustion related to the continuous high-pressure environment of managing at the top football level. This exhaustion led to his decision to step back rather than take on the national team responsibilities [1].
According to the book excerpts, Hitzfeld spent almost three days in bed, worrying about the offer to become Germany's national coach. He struggled to switch off and lost strength gradually around 2004. The stress and mental drain were significant enough to influence his professional decisions at that time [1].
The book also reveals that Hitzfeld sought help from a psychiatrist and was prescribed antidepressants. He experienced severe claustrophobia while in a car and suffered from back pain and sleep problems. Hitzfeld internalized a lot and often felt that his inner and outer image as a football coach were far apart [1].
Regretting always thinking every message was important and having to be reachable 24/7, Hitzfeld took a conscious break for one and a half years in Engelberg, Switzerland. It took him almost three years to be ready to work again after his break [1].
The book, titled "Mensch Fußballstar," will be published on August 18. This candid account sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by high-profile coaches and encourages open discussions about mental health in the football industry.
[1] Boeni, Andreas. "Mensch Fußballstar." (2023)
- The book "Mensch Fußballstar" reveals that Ottmar Hitzfeld, while dealing with severe mental health struggles, chose to seek help from a psychiatrist and was prescribed antidepressants [1].
- In an effort to cope with his mental exhaustion and concerns, Hitzfeld took a conscious break for one and a half years, focusing on his health-and-wellness in Engelberg, Switzerland [1].
- Ottmar Hitzfeld's story underscores the importance of community aid, particularly mental-health support, in the sports industry, particularly football, encouraging open discourse and the destigmatization of mental health issues [1].
