Referred to as Christoph Daum in this context. - Responses to the demise of the renowned coach
Upon the Demise of Christoph Daum (1953-2024), Football World Mourns a Charismatic and Controversial Figure
The football community bids farewell to one of its most vibrant and contentious personalities following the death of Christoph Daum last Saturday. At the age of 70, the legendary coach, who led various Bundesliga clubs and European teams, succumbed to his long-term battle with cancer. Here's a compilation of initial responses to his tragic departure.
"He Lived and Breathed Football"
German Football Association (DFB) President Bernd Neuendorf (63) honored Daum's legacy in a formal announcement, stating: "Daum greatly influenced German football. A visionary of modern play, he remained positively passionate about football until his Last Breath. I recently witnessed his undying love for football during a personal meeting, months before his demise."
Uli Hoeneß Pays Heartfelt Tribute
Even Daum's erstwhile adversary, Uli Hoeneß (72) - notorious for igniting the "Cocaine Affair" involving Daum and Leverkusen's then-coach - extended a touching and conciliatory tribute: "Daum never shied away from a controversy, but we resolved our differences decades ago. His courageous battle against illness and his open approach to the topic inspired countless individuals battling the same ailment. Although he could not prevail in his final fight, German football will remember him as an unyielding athlete - for his teams, his clubs, and beyond."
Christoph Daum's longtime partner, Reiner Calmund (75), expressed his sorrow on "Sport1 Doppelpass" show: "I'm naturally saddened, even though we knew his time was limited. Our relationship was incredibly close within the past six months. When he celebrated his 70th birthday, we celebrated in Cologne. I'm particularly proud that a reconciliation between Daum and Uli Hoeneß, which I had a hand in, was successful."
Rudi Völler: "Daum Was Ahead of His Time"
DFB Director of Sport Rudi Völler (64) - who worked alongside Daum at Bayer Leverkusen - extended his sympathies: "Christoph Daum was ahead of his time during his prime. He provoked controversy and division, but his achievement was always the consequence of extreme dedication and boundless passion. I learned numerous valuable lessons from him during my early years at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, which have stayed with me throughout my professional life. Christoph was capable of inspiring people, igniting their passion, rallying them towards a common goal, and leading them there." Similar to numerous other associates of Daum, Völler also applauded how, during his latter years, "he boldly confronted his serious illness publicly to embolden others."
Several clubs where Christoph Daum served as their head coach also issued condolences. Notably, VfB Stuttgart, which he led to the German championship in 1992. Club President Dietmar Allgaier (58) said: "The VfB owes a substantial debt to Christoph Daum, primarily for his remarkable coaching prowess, which culminated in the German championship in 1992. Even after his retirement, he maintained a close relationship with our club. We shall forever honor Christoph Daum's memory."
Ex-club Fenerbahçe Istanbul extends condolences to Daum's family.
Christoph Daum's former club, Fenerbahçe Istanbul - with which he worked from 1994 to 1996 - released a statement of sorrow through their social media platforms. Alongside a photo of Daum at the Turkish club's stadium, it read: "With profound sadness, we have learned of our ex-coach Christoph Daum's untimely demise. Our condolences extend to the Daum family, their kin, and our own community."
The FIFA medical department expressed their sympathy and offered assistance in managing potential outbreaks of Hepatitis C within the football community, given Daum's history with the disease. Despite his battling the disease, Daum's former coaching techniques continued to inspire many coaches around the world.
Following the announcement of Daum's battle with Hepatitis C, several public health organizations launched campaigns to raise awareness about the disease and its prevention methods within the football community.
