“A matter of the heart”
New task for Felix Magath
01/13/2025 – 9:07 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
The football associations from Berlin and Brandenburg are starting a unique project in coach training – under the patronage of the ex-Bayern coach.
Felix Magath has taken on a new role – this time away from professional football. The former coach of FC Bayern Munich (2004 to 2007) supports as patron an extraordinary project in which mentally impaired people can acquire a recognized coaching license.
The nationwide, unique project of the Berlin Football Association (BFV) and the Brandenburg Football Association (FLB) relies on a tandem model: one person with and one person without disabilities complete the DFB basic trainer course together. The aim is to make football training inclusive and to explore new ways of dealing with theory and practice. “We don’t have a tipping six or peripheral vision,” explained initiator Lars Mrosko on Monday. Instead, the focus is on a practice-oriented concept.
Magath himself was convinced by the idea: “Football is often reduced to big events. But it is more complex and has greater meaning!” The patronage is therefore a “matter of the heart” for him. The project is coordinated by several associations, including the Brandenburg State Football Association, the Berlin Football Association and the AOK Nordost.
However, Magath made it clear that he would not be active as a coach himself: “I have always been a professional coach, there are completely different requirements.” However, he doesn’t rule out training people with mental disabilities: “I can’t say how good I am at it. But it would be worth a try.”
In addition to his commitment to the inclusion project, Magath could also make a comeback in professional football. According to media reports, the 70-year-old is said to be in contact with Besiktas Istanbul. The traditional Turkish club, currently only fifth in the Süper Lig and 20 points behind league leaders Galatasaray, is currently being looked after by an interim coach and is looking for a permanent solution.