Feb 19 โ€ข 11:05 UTC ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Denmark Politiken

"He had a good heart": National team legends react to the death of Sepp Piontek

The Danish football community mourns the loss of former national team coach Sepp Piontek, who passed away at the age of 85.

Denmark's football community is in mourning following the death of Sepp Piontek, who passed away at the age of 85. Many former national players shared their memories of Piontek, recalling him as a person with a 'good heart' and a significant influence on the team's development. Klaus Berggreen, a former player, reflected on how Piontek emphasized 'ambition, motivation, concentration,' laying a foundation for discipline in Danish football that had previously been more relaxed and informal.

Piontek's coaching tenure began in 1979, and he is credited with transforming the Danish national team into a more disciplined and competitive squad that reached the semifinals of major tournaments. His coaching style was noted for balancing strictness with an understanding of the players' personalities and humor. This balance allowed the team to thrive under his guidance, according to testimonies from former players.

The impact of Piontek's coaching legacy is evident in the current ethos of Danish football, where discipline blended with enjoyment forms the basis of training and competition. His passing marks the end of an era for confidence and professionalism in Danish football, with many former players expressing gratitude for his mentorship and the values he instilled in the team.

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