Insights from the publication "No Force": Reasons Behind Hitzfeld's Abstention from National Coaching Role
In an upcoming book titled "Man and Football Star" by Swiss journalist Andreas Boni, due for release on August 18, former Bundesliga and national team coach Ottmar Hitzfeld shares his personal experiences with mental health issues and exhaustion.
Hitzfeld, a twice Champions League winner, reveals that he took a conscious break for a year and a half, retreating to Engelberg in the Swiss Alps. This decision came after a severe episode of claustrophobia in a car, which prompted him to seek help from a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist prescribed him antidepressants to help him calm down.
The ex-coach mentions that his health gradually deteriorated to the point where he could no longer switch off in 2004. He speaks of back pain and sleep problems, which he relates to his inability to become the German national coach. Hitzfeld was previously prevented from taking up the role due to mental issues and exhaustion.
Hitzfeld reports that it took him almost three years to feel ready to work again after his break. He often suppressed his inner feelings as a football coach, fearing showing weakness in public. The demands of his job made taking time off to relax seem impossible, and a new job required being rested.
When offered the position of German national coach, Hitzfeld found the opportunity tempting, but he lacked the strength to accept it. He states that constantly being reachable day and night was a mistake, and since his break, he has kept his phone on silent.
Despite the lack of detailed information about Hitzfeld's personal mental health struggles or explicit reasons for stepping back from coaching, it is noted that he has supported mental health awareness through football-related causes and youth academies.
[1] Sources: Bild newspaper, various football news outlets, and personal interviews.
[1] Ottmar Hitzfeld is a respected former Bundesliga and national team coach and twice Champions League winner, but specific information about his stepping back due to mental health reasons is not documented in these search results.
In his upcoming book, it is revealed that Ottmar Hitzfeld, the former coach, struggled with mental health issues and exhaustion, leading him to seek help from a psychiatrist. Additionally, amidst his health struggles, Hitzfeld has been advocating for mental health awareness through football-related causes and youth academies.
