Lothar Matthäus criticizes parents following coaching decision
Lothar Matthäus, having concluded his stint as coach for a local youth team, has received sympathy from fellow experts in youth football. "Many have encountered similar challenges. That's why it's tough to find individuals willing to take up this role," said the 1990 World Cup winner in an interview with the "Münchner Merkur/tz". He further stated: "I empathize with the kids... It was a tough call, but it's a breath of fresh air for my personal life."
The renowned footballer previously managed his son Milan's team for two seasons, representing a Bayernliga promotion side. The issue? Certain parents of the young players. "When the mature ones get offended, you find yourself answering calls at midnight or responding to WhatsApp messages at dawn, which is not acceptable," shared Matthäus: "I understand parents' instincts to protect their own children, but team sports necessitate considering the collective good."
Parental conflicts
Initially, parents merely encouraged their children during matches: "Faster! Do this! Do that! I've already expressed my disapproval," said Matthäus. Dedicating time for three weekly training sessions and one game, in addition to his commitments as a TV analyst, was something he wholeheartedly embraced. "However, parents' verbal attacks against each other reached an unacceptable level."
Matthäus described the behavior of some parents as "beyond the line - consistently from the same few, jeopardizing the team's interests for their personal gains." He questioned himself: "Why am I doing this? I'm dragging this into my personal life, holding the kids close to my heart."
Even his extensive international experience as a player failed to shield him from criticism of his managerial skills. His son has since switched clubs. "He's now playing for Ismaning alongside some of his former Grünwald teammates," said Matthäus: "That's an additional two kilometers, but a shorter commute time. And hopefully, fewer parents like those who prompted this decision."
After sharing his experiences as a youth team coach, Matthäus expressed his interest in soccer, saying, "Despite the challenges, I still love coaching soccer and watching my son play." Later, discussing parental behavior, he emphasized, "It's not just about nurturing individual talent in soccer, but also instilling team spirit and respect for others."
