Danish football has lost a significant figure with the death of former national coach Sepp Piontek at the age of 85. Many former players, including Klaus Berggreen, have expressed their sorrow and respect for a coach who profoundly affected both the team and the players. Berggreen recalls Piontek's influential 'pep talk' that emphasized ambition, motivation, and concentration, which were the key expectations he had for his players.

Piontek, a German by nationality, transformed the Danish national team when he took over as head coach in 1979. Before his arrival, the team's approach was seen as relaxed and casual, but Piontek introduced a level of discipline that was previously lacking. This change helped foster a balance between humor and structure within the team, creating a cohesive and effective unit. Berggreen highlights this transformation as a remarkable achievement, showing Piontek's unique ability to adapt to the players’ personalities while driving them towards success.

Under Piontek's leadership, the Danish national team achieved significant milestones, including reaching the semifinals of major tournaments, which set new standards for Danish football. His legacy continues to resonate in the world of Danish sports, as both players and fans remember his contributions and the standards he set that shaped the future of football in Denmark.