Lessons learned from Happel: 1860 coach Schmöller demands discipline

3rd league - Lessons learned from Happel: 1860 coach Schmöller demands discipline

Frank Schmöller has an idea of how he wants to lead the struggling TSV 1860 Munich to success in his short mission. Discipline and clear announcements are to help the "Lions", who have slipped badly in the 3rd soccer league. The interim coach had already learned what a tough coaching style is during his active time: he became a professional at Hamburger SV in the 1980s under the great Ernst Happel. "In the first year, Happel didn't say a word to me as an 18-year-old," recalled Schmöller. But: "You can't do that today, you need to communicate."

The Sechziger's form curve recently went downhill under coach Maurizio Jacobacci. The Italian-Swiss had to leave, and the huge uncertainty in the team was evident in the 3-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund II.

"It was a bit too quiet for me on the pitch"

That's where Schmöller comes in; he hopes for aggressive and determined leaders. "You need players who take control. I noticed that in training yesterday, we might still have a bit of catching up to do," said the 57-year-old at his presentation on Wednesday. "We have to get to grips with that relatively quickly. It was a bit too quiet for me on the pitch yesterday."

Originally, three games were on the program for the former U21 coach of the "Lions" this calendar year. His debut at home against Rot-Weiss Essen on Saturday was postponed due to the weather. "Due to the snow-covered and icy stands in the west and east curves as well as the snow-covered access routes around the stadium", the city of Munich decided to close the stadium beyond the coming weekend, it said. The safety of the visitors could not be sufficiently guaranteed.

Schmöller agreed within two minutes

Schmöller is in charge of the sporting construction site. "It's a bit exciting for me," admitted the Hamburg native. He said he agreed within two minutes when he was asked by the club bosses on Tuesday whether he wanted to take over the team, which had slipped to 15th place in the 3rd division.

He announced that he was not planning any sporting or tactical changes in the short space of time, "that makes no sense". Instead, he wants to motivate the team above all. "It's important for me that the boys are convinced of themselves," he said. A few of Happel's ideas from the past have remained. "Everyone has to know their role," he explained, "there are no two centimeters to the left or right. I will demand that from the boys."

An external solution should fix it in the long term

The "Lions" had recently lost five out of six competitive matches. That did not deter Schmöller. "I'm just up for it," he said.

A longer-term commitment - should the ex-professional lead the Sechziger to immediate success - is still not planned. Among other things, he does not have the necessary coaching license. 1860 boss Pfeifer also made it clear that the future head coach will be found in the coming days and weeks. He did not reveal the names of any candidates.

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