Former world champion Thomas Häßler is making headlines once again as he returns to football following his battle with memory loss. After two and a half years of grappling with this unexpected health crisis, the 58-year-old has taken charge of the eighth-tier team, FC Spandau 06, as he embarks on a new chapter of his life.
Häßler, who won the World Cup with Germany in 1990, faced severe challenges when his memory suddenly failed him, leaving him unable to fulfill his duties as head coach at BFC Preußen. The health scare greatly impacted his life and career. Yet, with determination and perseverance, Häßler has refused to be defined by his setbacks. "I have not lost my will to live and am still the same person," he told the German Press Agency.
Since summer, Häßler has embraced coaching FC Spandau 06 as his way of reigniting his passion for football. “I just wanted to have something to do and get out of the house. It got boring after a certain time,” he explained. His experience isn’t new to the lower tiers of Berlin football, as he has been involved with clubs at this level since 2016.
Häßler's long career has seen him transition through various roles after retiring. Prior to his role at FC Spandau 06, he faced challenges adapting to life off the pitch, especially after his illness. The sudden onset of memory loss occurred unexpectedly and left him unable to lead at BFC Preußen, where he was active until August 2022.
Now, the European champion from 1996 aims to lead his current team, which was relegated from the regional league, to new successes. He stated, "It would be great if we could contribute to Spandau experiencing some good times again.” His sentiments paint a picture not only of his enthusiasm for coaching but also his desire to inspire his players to regain their stride.
“I have regained my zest for football, which is why I landed here at Spandau,” Häßler noted, reinforcing his commitment. The recovery process following his health issue has made him more reflective, yet he tries to enjoy every day fully, emphasizing the importance of appreciating life’s brief moments.
With FC Spandau 06, Häßler has been granted time to grow the team and establish a strong foundation, working alongside his coaching staff to maximize the club’s potential. Building from scratch, he started the season with just two or three loyal players from previous rosters post relegation, now nurturing about thirteen players who show eagerness to progress.
Currently, the team sits seventh on the table, trailing the promotion spots by nine points as they look to make strides when the season resumes. Häßler remains optimistic: “So slowly, we are developing as a team, which is really fun,” he commented, showcasing his passion for the sport and the players he mentors.
Nonetheless, the former player acknowledges challenges specific to modern management. “Today’s generation of players might require different approaches than we did back then,” he observed, noting discipline is still of utmost importance. He remarked on the need to adapt his coaching style, balancing encouragement with firm expectations.
Häßler’s tenure is marked by caring mentorship, embodied by his desire to nurture rather than solely command. Yet, he also recognizes the pressing need for discipline, which he has begun instilling within his team. He expressed confidence about the players he works with, recognizing their potential: “They’re all good kids who, with proper guidance, can achieve great things.”
While recalling memories of his past teammates, including the tragic losses of some football greats, Häßler emphasizes the need to live fully and purposefully. Reflecting on how quickly life can change, he states, "It’s natural to think differently after such experiences, but my illness was not life-threatening, so I try to enjoy every ordinary day.”
With football still being at the core of his identity, Häßler strives to return FC Spandau 06 to its former glory, hoping to shade their legacy with fresh victories. This resolve highlights his unwavering relationship with the game, which he describes as being interwoven with his life for over 50 years.
His visible enthusiasm and motivated drive is contagious, inspiring those around him and showcasing just how deeply the love for football can be embedded within someone’s being. The upcoming season promises to be one of renewal, not just for Häßler but for Spandau's collectors of memories who look forward to being part of this exciting new chapter.
