Parent conflicts in football: Lothar Matthäus draws consequences

Parent conflicts in football: Lothar Matthäus draws consequences

After retiring as a youth coach of TSV Grünwald, Lothar Matthäus, the world champion in 1990, has experienced a wave of support, especially people who have had experience in young football themselves. In an insightful interview, he expressed that many had experienced similar problems, which illustrated the difficulties that exist today to find committed trainers. "I feel sorry for the kids," said Matthäus deeply moved. "It was a painful step for me, but I feel relieved now."

In the past two years, the former world football player has looked after the team of his son Milan, but the constant conflicts with the parents of the youth players finally led to his decision. Matthäus reported on afternoon conflicts: "If you are confronted with calls in the middle of the night and have to answer messages in the morning at 7 a.m., it is simply no longer portable." He showed understanding for the concern of the parents for their own children, but emphasized that the well -being of the entire group should also be in the foreground in team sport.

Parent conflicts and emotional pressure

The situation has initially started harmless when parents cheered on their children on the edge of the field. But the mood quickly changed: "Run faster! Do this! Do that!" Were common calls, and Matthew expressed that he considered this pressure to be unnecessary. Despite his commitment-training three times a week and games, in addition to his work as a TV expert-ultimately led the aggressive behavior of individual parents to decide to decide every connection with the coaching job. "The insults that were exchanged among the parents were unacceptable," said Matthew, who described the behavior as "the bottom belt line".

The pressure that Matthew experienced came not only from the parents, but also from the emotional ties to the players. "I really took the children to my heart," emphasized the 63-year-old. This emotional aspect was crucial because he could no longer ignore these conflicts that crowded into his private life. It was the sprawling parent rivalrality that forced him to the task.

A new way for the son

The effects of his decision are also noticeable for his son. Milan has changed the club and is now playing at another team in Ismaning. "Together with some other players from Grünwald," as Matthew noted. According to Matthew, this step means not only a shorter journey, but also hope for less conflicts with difficult parents. "There are only two kilometers more, but ten minutes less travel time, and hopefully a more pleasant atmosphere," he added. Matthew remains modest and mentions the challenges he himself experienced as an experienced player and trainer.

Matthäus' retreat as a trainer is more than just a personal decision; He reflects a growing problem in youth football, where parental interference and the urge to want to achieve the best for your own child often disturb harmony among the teams. This development calls for a trainer and parents to be able to offer the children a better environment in sport.