Thomas Oral, who worked with Felix Magath (2014 in Fulham) and Mark Fotheringham (Oral’s assistant in Karlsruhe and Ingolstadt), talks in the BZ interview about the two coaches who are now supposed to save Hertha.
BZ: What distinguishes Felix Magath?
Thomas Oral: He is one of the most experienced coaches there is. Basically, he is made to tackle the task at Hertha. In such a blatant pressure situation as at Hertha, one is like Felix Magath almost ideal. Not many people can do that, draw attention to themselves and radiate complete calm and security.
Wasn’t he out too long?
No, the fact that he hasn’t coached a Bundesliga club for 10 years isn’t an argument for me. He says himself that he can only play football. And he’s excellent at that. He will convey his knowledge 100 percent.
Nothing better could happen to Hertha than Magath. Technically, there is no one who brings more to the table than he does. Coach, for him it’s like riding a bike, he hasn’t forgotten that. And he wasn’t gone that long. He was coach i China in 2017. And he worked for Würzburg until 2021. Not as a coach, but he was in business.
Isn’t he too old?
No. Why has Roy Hodgson, aged 74, been Watford manager since January in the Premier League? Why do you think they’re taking it? Because he can. Jupp Heynckes was 73 when he became champion with Bayern in 2018. Why shouldn’t Magath be able to do that anymore at 68?
How ticks Mark Fotheringham?
Mark has a very fine feeling for the players and always has an open ear. He is good at filtering what needs to reach Magath and what doesn’t. As a player he was a real guy, with his opinion and a great foot. And he could rank too. I was already impressed by his honesty in Fulham. Even as a professional, he has always thought about the entire game, like a coach. That’s why I got him later as my assistant coach.
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How do Magath and Mark work together?
The team with Mark and Magath works because Mark is not a yes man. Magath needs people who also represent their opinions and with whom he can discuss things. It is important to Felix that players take responsibility and function in a team.
What is Magath like as a human?
Once the ice with Magath is broken, he is a very humorous person. Professionally, however, he is driven by maximum success.
