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12.08.2021Bayer 04

Toppi is 70 – Memories of the legendary 2001/02 UCL campaign

He will spend his birthday with his family and the party with friends will follow later: Today (Thursday), Klaus Toppmöller celebrates his 70th birthday. As the Bayer 04 coach, he took the Werkself to the Champions League final in 2001/02 and led them to the DFB Cup final as well as securing the runners-up spot in the Bundesliga. Happy birthday, Toppi. Bayer 04 wish you many happy returns and the best of health.
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He still gets around a lot as he explained on his mobile, stuck in a traffic jam on his way back to Rivenich. Klaus Toppmöller has for many years lived with his wife Rosi in the Eifel near to Trier. Toppi had just come back from Munich where he was helping his son Dino move. The 40-year-old was appointed assistant coach at FC Bayern in July after having worked with head coach Julian Nagelsmann at RB Leipzig before. Of course, Klaus Toppmöller will be a frequent visitor to the Allianz Arena. And, as his daughter Sarah-Nina moved with her husband last year to the Vierwaldstätter See in Switzerland, he is looking forward to many trips to see his children and grandchildren. Only his youngest son Tommy is still living near to his parents. Toppmöller is now a proud five-time grandfather. "I enjoy having lots of time for the family."

He no longer has ambitions of a coaching job. But, of course, football aficionados like him always watch lots of matches on television. Including special interest in those involving Bayer 04. "I wish the new coach Gerardo Seoane much success and I'd be very happy if Bayer 04 make it back to the Champions League." He is always happy to remember the legendary 2001/02 campaign in the Champions League.

In edition five the Werkself Magazin, Toppi takes a detailed trip down memory lane. On his 70th birthday and the 20th anniversary of that special season, the interview is now online. Click HERE to access the interview

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