Seppo Eichkorn was Felix Magath’s assistant coach for a total of ten years. In an interview with SPOX and GOAL Eichkorn talks about Hertha’s chances of staying up, Magath’s skills as a rescuer and he explains why the Bundesliga can be happy about Magath’s return.
Eichkorn also explains why the mood was often chilly when playing cards with Magath.
Mr Eichkorn, what was your reaction when you read the news that Felix Magath was taking over at Hertha?
Seppo Eichkorn: He already said in an interview that he would like to work as a coach again. That worked quickly. Felix is a child of the Bundesliga. It didn’t really blow my mind that Hertha brought him in. It’s a good choice for Hertha. The probability of keeping the class has definitely increased.
Felix “Quälix” Magath stands for discipline and physical toughness like no other. Does Hertha need exactly that in the relegation battle?
Eichkorn: Discipline and attitude definitely, but that has little to do with his image as “Quälix”. In terms of condition, he will now have little opportunity to intervene decisively. The foundations are laid in winter. He will not be able to let the “Quälix” out in the last eight games. But he will make it clear to the team how to behave in the relegation battle. Felix will give players clear bands within which to operate. The task is difficult, but if anyone is destined to do it, it’s him.
Magath was last on the line as a coach in 2017 in China. Will he struggle in the comeback?
Eichkorn: No, he still has the necessary tools 100 percent in himself. Felix is extremely disciplined, almost workaholic, invests an incredible amount of time in preparing the team for the games. He will have a clear plan and pass it on to the team.
Seppo Eichkorn on Magath’s qualities as a fireman
Doubts say he’s been out of the coaching job for too long.
Eichkorn: There are always doubters. Of course, you don’t know in advance whether something will work or not. I wasn’t surprised that Hertha came up with the idea of bringing him in. He has shown that he can get teams on track, even at short notice. He took over Eintracht Frankfurt in the second half of the season with a single-digit number of points and mastered the mission by staying up. This was perhaps the greatest feat ever accomplished by a “rescuer”.
Does he still have the necessary fire in himself today?
Eichkorn: He didn’t lose any of that at all! He is ambitious in every respect. When playing cards, he was always angry when he lost. The team will quickly sense that he never wants to lose. For every team that has worked with him, winning games has been far more comfortable than losing. Being able to convey this will to win is one of his great strengths.
How did that show up playing cards when he lost?
Eichkorn: (laughs) We often played “Klammerjass”, where you had a partner in two-on-two. Until the next game, the atmosphere was very chilly when he lost because of a stupid mistake by his teammate. But I have to admit that he very rarely lost. I also benefited from the fact that we played and won together.
Eichkorn: “Magath will leave his mark at Hertha”
You were his assistant coach for ten years. How is your relationship with him and what was it like working with him?
Eichkorn: We both tick similarly. We are not the great storytellers, we make up a lot with ourselves. In my work as an assistant coach, I was more empathetic, compensating for Felix’ clear announcements, which were also necessary. That worked very well. We have worked together for ten years, won three championships and qualified for an international competition every season.
Are you still in contact today?
Eichkorn: No, that’s a bit due to our nature, but it’s also not a problem for any of us. We appreciate each other and have worked together very successfully.
Is there an anecdote from back then that you can tell?
Eichkorn: Basically: You often have to smile with Felix. He’s not just the tough dog everyone always thinks he is. He has a very big joke. It was always fun with him, we had wonderful moments. It wasn’t like the players were just being tormented. It’s normal that we trained a bit harder in preparation. For me and the teams that have succeeded with him, they have been pleasant years. Of course there were also critical voices, but in retrospect that has often changed. In retrospect, Andrea Barzagli described his time in Wolfsburg as a completely new experience in terms of fitness and attitude to work.
What would you bet on if you had to bet: will Hertha stay up in the league with Felix Magath or will the club be relegated?
Eichkorn: It’s a very difficult situation for Hertha. Unfortunately, my former club Stuttgart is still involved in the relegation battle, which I once started with Felix. I keep my fingers crossed for both of them and would bet a small amount that he would keep up with Hertha. The Bundesliga can be happy that he is back. He will definitely leave his mark at Hertha.
