The Bundesliga legend about his experiences as a player, coach and man
Hermann Gerland is one of the last football veterans. The trained banker and former professional for VfL Bochum have known the ins and out of the Bundesliga for 50 years. He grew up in a mining area of Bochum, lost his father at the age of 9 and learned early on what it means to grin and bear it. Today, he is still true to his values and roots — and he enjoys great respect far beyond the football pitch. Now, as the co-coach of the German U21 national team, he looks back at his life, and together with sports journalist Christian Eichler he recounts what football has given him, the changes that Germany’s favourite sport has undergone and what challenges professional footballers to face today - obligatory reading for all football romantics!
“He is one of the most honest people, I have ever met.” Hansi Flick
“I generally had fun with Hermann Gerland.” Thomas Müller, FC Bayern München
“I know no other person in German football, who has brought out anywhere near as many world-class football players as Hermann Gerland.” Ralph Hasenhüttl, football coach
