Legendary head coach Udo Lattek dies
Cologne - Udo Lattek, the most successful Bundesliga head coach of all time, has passed away.
Serial trophy-winner
Lattek, who suffered two strokes and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, was 80 years old.
“The Bundesliga is mourning the passing of an extraordinary sportsman and an extraordinary person," said League President Dr. Reinhard Rauball upon hearing the news. "Like many in German football, I am losing a friend in Udo Lattek. We got to know and appreciate one another other 30 years ago. Honest, straightforward and sometimes stubborn - that was how Udo Lattek stood out. Yet at the same time he was also sensitive, and as a coach he was always receptive to the needs of his players. His success speaks for itself and eight German league titles will remain unmatched for a long time to come. He left an impression on several generations of players in German football and many of his former charges are still grateful to him to this day. Udo Lattek will be remembered as one of the Bundesliga’s outstanding figures. I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife and family."
In his heyday, Lattek was regarded as one of the world’s best and most successful coaches, winning the Bundesliga title eight times - six times with FC Bayern München and twice with Borussia Mönchengladbach - and also lifting three DFB Cups.
Perhaps his greatest success came in winning the European Cup (now the UEFA Champions League) with Bayern in 1974 with victory in a reply over Club Atletico de Madrid. His CV later included spells as coach of FC Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04.
