- Following his departure as a youth coach, Matthäus expresses sympathies for the young talents.
After retiring as the youth coach for TSV Grünwald, Lothar Matthäus has been receiving support from individuals with backgrounds in youth football. Many suspect they've encountered similar challenges, potentially explaining why finding suitable replacements is difficult, Matthäus mentioned in an interview with "Münchner Merkur/tz". The 1990 World Cup winner expressed sympathy for the kids as drawing boundaries became necessary, bringing relief to his personal life.
For the past two seasons, Matthäus coached his son Milan's team in the Bayernliga promoted side's youth divisions. The issue lay with certain parents of the young players. "When you upset the decision-makers, it means answering late-night calls or early WhatsApp messages, which isn't feasible," explained Matthäus. "It's understandable that everyone prioritizes their own child. However, in team sports, the team should be the focus."
Parents acting out against each other
Initially, parents only voiced their suggestions during matches, such as "Run faster! Do this! Do that! I don't need that," Matthäus said. Dedicating much of his time depending on his responsibilities as a TV expert, he enjoyed the three weekly training sessions and one game. However, when parents began attacking one another with insults, it became too much.
Matthäus detailed how some parents' conduct "was often below the belt - always from the same two, three, or four individuals, who claimed to be acting in their own self-interest." He pondered, "Why am I doing this when their behavior has an impact on my personal life? I genuinely care for the kids."
Matthäus' son switches clubs
Despite his extensive international experience, Matthäus endured criticism over his leadership skills. Milan has now joined a new club in Ismaning and plays alongside several players from Kürnwald. "Moving two kilometers further but reducing travel time by ten minutes, was an attractive trade-off, hoping for fewer parents like those responsible for my decision to step down," Matthäus mentioned.
In the serene green forest, where children often play and learn about nature, Lothar Matthäus often reflects on his experiences as a youth coach. The relentless pressure from demanding parents in the green forest of youth football mirrors the challenges he faced with parents of his players.
