German Football Association Cup - Intergenerational clash: Retired player confronts young trainer
The current coaches of 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Bayer Leverkusen, Friedhelm Funkel and Xabi Alonso respectively, have quite an intriguing contrast in their backgrounds and styles. Funkel, now 70, played in the 1981 DFB Cup Final as a player, a time when Alonso, aged 42, was still unborn. With significant differences in their play styles and career progression, they convene in Berlin to coach their respective teams.
Funkel, previously a hard-working and goal-scoring attacking player, only managed to win one title as a professional: the cup final in 1985 with Bayer Uerdingen against FC Bayern. He has not yet won any titles as a coach, but has successfully promoted his team to the Bundesliga six times.
On the other hand, Alonso, who was only born six months after Funkel's appearance in the cup final, was a mastermind midfield strategist during his playing days. As a footballer, he has accumulated a staggering 18 trophies, including a World Cup, European Championship, and Champions League title. As a coach, he brought the first championship to Leverkusen in his rookie season.
Respectful Differences
Despite their contrasting characteristics, both parties hold each other in high esteem. "I always find it an honor to play against a coach with a rich soccer history," expressed Alonso. "I admire these great personalities and have the opportunity to learn from them."
Funkel also expressed his admiration for the younger coach. "He's very genuine, he's just an excellent coach. His experience, his charisma - the way he interacts with people is just amazing, marvelous." Funkel, having already allied himself with Leverkusen as champions in December, spoke fondly of Alonso's team's performance during the first half of the season. "I was a pensioner at the time," he recalled with a chuckle. "I was frequently invited to BayArena and was spellbound by the team's play."
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Source: www.stern.de