Shortly before the anniversary of the birth of former world champion coach Sepp Herberger, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf highlighted his services to German football.
“Sepp Herberger is unforgettable. His wisdom has become a piece of cultural heritage, the “Miracle of Bern” is an integral part of German football history,” said Neuendorf on Saturday when a DFB delegation visited the Herbergers’ grave in Weinheim-Hohensachsen . On March 28, Herberger would have been 125 years old, he died on April 28, 1977.
“He was national and national coach for a total of 28 years. A record for eternity,” said Neuendorf at the memorial service before the international match in Sinsheim in the evening. “He asked a lot, but he was also willing to give more than others: care, help where it was needed. Many were able to experience that.” “Football history” was written with the 3-2 win over Hungary in the 1954 World Cup final in Bern. “And the young Federal Republic had – as has often been written – its actual hour of birth,” said Neuendorf.
Herberger’s merits for German football “went far beyond the ‘Miracle of Bern’. For example, he founded modern coach training and successfully campaigned for the introduction of the Bundesliga,” Neuendorf said. “He shaped the development of football in our country in the 20th century.”