“Coach of the Century” Huub Stevens retires for health reasons

Schalke’s “coach of the century” Huub Stevens has officially declared his career over. The 69-year-old also ruled out a career as an official for health reasons.

“I’ll be 70 this year, my coaching career is definitely over,” Stevens said Cologne Express. “I actually recently had a request from a club from the Netherlands, but I don’t risk it anymore,” said Stevens: “I couldn’t answer that to my family and the club.”

Stevens emphasized: “I no longer hold an official position. I also no longer actively get involved. You can ask me for my opinion at any time, but nothing more.”

His body sent out a “clear warning”, Stevens explained with regard to his health: “I was taken to the hospital because I suddenly felt chest pains. The doctors diagnosed pericarditis.” That was “a clear yellow card” and a “clear sign” that “I have to take even more care of myself. I’m doing better now, I can do light fitness training again.”

Stevens took over the coaching job at the Royal Blues four times, most recently the Dutchman had stepped in for a game in the 2020/21 relegation season as an interim coach before the winter break. Stevens was also on the Schalke supervisory board until the summer of 2021. He celebrated his greatest success in 1997 when he won the UEFA Cup with FC Schalke 04.

In Germany, the “Knurrer von Kerkrade” was also on the sidelines at Hertha BSC, 1. FC Köln, Hamburger SV, VfB Stuttgart and TSG Hoffenheim.