Jürgen Kohler: 'Achieved great things in Hauenstein'

After he hung his boots up he became a coach in the Bundesliga and was the Bayer 04 sporting director. Kohler has turned his hand to almost everything in the game including lower league football in recent years.

Last season he was incredibly successful as the coach of fifth-tier SC Hauenstein leading them to the state cup and thereby secured a place in the current DFB Cup competition. Kohler has moved on to pastures new but he still retains great affection for SC Hauenstein. In his interview he reveals what is special about the club, why last season was so successful and why he can’t be in Pirmasens on Sunday to watch the biggest game in the history of SC Hauenstein (15.30 CET, live on Sky).

Mr Kohler, it was an incredibly eventful year for you in Hauenstein.

Jürgen Kohler: “Absolutely! Winning the cup was the target we achieved. It could have been even bigger in the end but we conceded a soft goal two minutes from the end of the play-off. Otherwise, we would have been promoted too.”

It could hardly be tougher. Did winning the cup soften the blow?

Jürgen Kohler: “Not at all. You couldn’t guess we’d finish second and go into the play-offs. When I came the squad was in a state of flux and we started with ten outfield players and two keepers. The squad was only complete over the course of the season. We achieved great things when you think about it.”

How important was the state cup win and the associated DFB qualification for SC Hauenstein?

Jürgen Kohler: “It’s the most important trophy the club has ever won. Getting promoted is difficult and that’s why a lot of people dream about winning a cup – we did it. The fact the lads are playing a Champions League crowns the whole thing. The match will be a huge event and something new for everybody involved. It’s absolutely fantastic for the region. And it’s also beneficial to the club from a financial point of view.”

You won’t be in the SCH dugout following your move to VfL Alfter in the Middle Rhine League in the summer. Why?

Jürgen Kohler: “We trained in Hauenstein nearly every day but I’ve been living in Bonn for a long time now. It was always a 240-kilometre drive for me – each way. I had a really good time there and I got to know a lot of great people but I said from the start I only wanted to do a year. The Alfter president knew that and he asked me if I wanted to coach VfL. I’m there now I only have to drive 15 kilometres to the training sessions.”

What attracts a World Cup winner and former Bundesliga coach like you to work in the lower leagues?

Jürgen Kohler: “It’s just great fun. You do it through conviction rather than for the money. Here you learn the basics again – from tactics to greasing the balls. And also that the players are interested in other things rather than just football. I never experienced that when I was playing. In spite of all that you can build a team like you can in the Bundesliga and also be very successful.”

You can see that: Where you were there was success in the lower leagues too. You could definitely work at the top of the game again...

Jürgen Kohler: “You could be right. I don’t know how long I’ll coach in the lower leagues. I know I don’t want to work in the Bundesliga again. There also some outstanding clubs in youth football where you can develop players and I can imagine doing that sort of work. But the most important point is as ever: You have to be able to convey the joy of playing football!”

Twelve years ago, shortly after you stopped playing you were sporting director at Bayer 04. Are you still in contact with people at Leverkusen?

Jürgen Kohler: “A lot has changed since then and, with the exception of Rudi Völler and Peter Lehnhoff, there aren’t many of my contemporaries left there. But one thing that hasn’t changed is: Bayer 04 are still a top club in German football.”

Will you been in the stadium on Sunday?

Jürgen Kohler: “I’d really like to travel down – also to catch up with my old mate Rudi. But our season in the Middle Rhine League starts with the match against Spvg Wesseling-Urfeld. I want to be there with VfL Alfter to clock up a first win.”

Can you give us a prediction?

Jürgen Kohler: “3-1 for Hauenstein!” (laughs)

Really?

Jürgen Kohler: “No, you have to be realistic. Anything less than an 8-0 defeat would be a huge success for the lads. I just hope Hauenstein put on a good display. The club certainly deserves it.”