Herrlich Returns to Unterhaching with a Mission to Secure Third Division Survival
SpVgg Unterhaching has appointed former national striker Heiko Herrlich as their new head coach, entrusting him with the crucial task of steering the club away from relegation from the 3rd Liga. Herrlich, who previously coached Unterhaching during the 2011/12 season, returns to a club he fondly remembers for its strong team spirit and familial atmosphere.
“I have only positive memories of my previous time at Unterhaching,” Herrlich stated. “The sense of community and cohesion were truly special.Now, it’s time to unite our strengths and dedicate ourselves fully to securing our place in the 3rd Liga.”
Herrlich’s appointment comes after Felix Magath,the former Bayern Munich coach,declined the opportunity to take on the challenging role. The club’s president, Manfred Schwabl, expressed his delight at securing Herrlich’s services, highlighting his extensive coaching experience and strong character as key assets for the upcoming months.
“We are thrilled to have Heiko back at the helm,” Schwabl said. “his experience and leadership qualities will be invaluable as we navigate this critical period. He understands our club culture and the ‘Hachinger Way,’ which we established together during his first tenure.”
Currently sitting six points adrift of safety, Unterhaching faces a daunting task. Interim coach Sven Bender, who took over following the departure of Marc Unterberger, will remain as Herrlich’s assistant.
Herrlich’s coaching journey has seen him rise through the ranks, starting with youth teams before taking on senior roles at clubs like Bochum, Bayer leverkusen, and FC Augsburg. His last managerial position was with augsburg, where he was dismissed in April 2021.
His first match back at Unterhaching is scheduled for January 18th against Borussia Dortmund II, a team he knows well from his playing days with the Bundesliga giants. This encounter will mark a important moment in Herrlich’s return to Unterhaching,as he seeks to guide the club towards a brighter future.
Can Herrlich Save strerrorUnterhaching From The Drop? A Conversation with Former Bundesliga Star Matthias Sammer
Welcome back, football fans! Today, we’re diving deep into the relegation battle gripping SpVgg Unterhaching, a club clinging too its survival hopes in the 3rd Liga. Their new head coach, Heiko Herrlich, faces a monumental task, and we’re here to dissect it all with none other than former German international and Bundesliga icon, Matthias Sammer.
Matthias, thanks for joining us. Your career saw you at the top echelon of the game, winning titles with both Borussia dortmund and Bayern Munich.What are your initial thoughts on HerrlichS return to Unterhaching?
Matthias Sammer: ”Well, I have a lot of respect for Heiko. he’s a proven coach with experience in both the Bundesliga and the lower leagues. Returning to a club where he’s had success before can be a good thing. It shows familiarity, and that sense of belonging might ignite a spark in the players. But let’s be clear, they’re in a tough spot. Six points adrift of safety is a serious deficit, and time is not on their side.”
Absolutely, Matthias. The article mentions Herrlich fondly remembering his time at unterhaching. Do you think that “Hachinger Way,” as the president called it, will be enough to spark a turnaround?
Matthias Sammer: “Team spirit and camaraderie are vital, ther’s no doubt whatsoever. But football is about results.It’s about executing tactics,making those decisive plays. Herrlich will need more than nostalgia to pull this off. He’ll need to instil a renewed sense of belief, a fighting spirit that pushes these players beyond their limits. It’s a coaching challenge, no question.”
Felix Magath, a seasoned Bundesliga tactician, was also considered for the role but declined. Do you think his decision reflects the magnitude of the task ahead for Herrlich?
Matthias Sammer: “Magath is a winner,a coach who demands excellence.Maybe he saw the situation as too complex, the resources perhaps not up to par with his ambitions.For Herrlich, it could be a chance to prove himself. He’s guided teams at higher levels, and this could be a platform to re-establish himself.”
Herrlich’s first match back is against borussia Dortmund II, a team with strong connections to his playing days.
Matthias Sammer: “That’s a engaging opening fixture.Knowing Dortmund’s system and potential players will be a huge advantage. It’s a chance to set a tone, to make a statement. A win would be a massive confidence boost for Unterhaching. But Dortmund II are no pushovers; they’ll be hungry to prove themselves against a bigger name like Herrlich.”
What advice would you give Herrlich as he prepares to take the reins at Unterhaching?
Matthias Sammer: “Heiko needs to be a leader,a motivator. He needs to clearly communicate his vision, instill discipline, and get the best out of every single player. It won’t be easy, but if he can foster that unity, that ‘Hachinger Way’ spirit, and couple it with smart tactics, Unterhaching has a fighting chance. This could be a David vs. Goliath story, and football, as we know, loves a good underdog tale.”
Thank you for your insights, Matthias.This is a story to follow closely, no doubt.
We want to hear from you, our readers! Do you think Herrlich can pull off a miraculous rescue mission?
Can Unterhaching avoid relegation? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
