Hans-Peter Briegel

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

One of the most popular German players in his days, Briegel's original sport was athletics, being successful in various events such as long jump (personal best: 7 metres 44 cm, aged 16), triple jump and specifically in heptathlon-forerunner pentathlon. Briegel also ran 100 metres in 10.8 seconds (officially; hand-timed), aged 16. At the age of 17, he left athletics behind him, playing club football with hometown side SV Rodenbach near Kaiserslautern. During his playing days, Briegel usually played as a left back and defensive midfielder. He was known primarily for his physical, technical and goal scoring abilities for a defensive player. Two years after that he was picked up by Erich Ribbeck and Ribbeck took him to training with 1. FC Kaiserslautern. Until 1984 he stayed with local side 1. FC Kaiserslautern before he moved on to Hellas Verona in Italy. However, before his move to Italy, Briegel had a standout spell with Eintracht Frankfurt, where he won the UEFA Cup in 1980. Briegel captured the Serie A title in 1985 with the Gialloblu. The same year, Briegel was named Fußballer des Jahres (Footballer of the Year) in Germany. Subsequent to the end of his contract at Hellas Verona, Briegel changed clubs to join fellow Italian top division outfit U.C. Sampdoria of Genoa with whom he won the Coppa Italia before his retirement as a player in 1988. His nickname Die Walz von der Pfalz (literally "The steamroller from Palatinate") is referring to both, his playing style as well as to his origin. Briegel, who scored 47 goals in 240 Bundesliga matches, was a keen proponent of the idea of playing without shin pads and did not wear any in his career. He earned 72 caps for West Germany, winning UEFA Euro 1980 and finishing runner-up at the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cups.

In Their Own Story

The rain slicked the grass of the Waldstadion as the second leg approached. Briegel tightened his boots, eyes fixed on the wing. He knew this run could change history. As the ball came down, he surged forward, a red-and-white blur against the grey evening, crossing low and hard for the striker to finish.

Reader's Guide

Briegel's first job in coaching was at FC Glarus, a second-tier club from Switzerland. He then took the ropes of German lower league side SV Edenkoben before he was given the role of manager at then relegated Bundesliga side SG Wattenscheid 09 in 1994. He later re-joined 1. FC Kaiserslautern as sporting director in 1996, resigning in October 1997. He accepted the offer of the Football Association of Albania to become head coach of Albania in December 2002, with very much success for four years (2002–2006). He resigned on 9 May 2006. In June 2006, he agreed to a deal with the Football Association of Bahrain, taking over the Bahrain squad, but was dismissed on 20 January 2007 during the 2007 Gulf Cup. His most recent engagement was coaching Turkish Super League side Ankaragücü, before leaving his post by the end of the 2006–07 season.

Did You Know?

• Briegel's original sport was athletics, and he ran 100 metres in 10.8 seconds (hand-timed) at age 16.
• He won the Serie A title with Hellas Verona in 1985 and was named German Footballer of the Year that same year.
• Briegel never wore shin pads during his playing career.
• He is the most successful coach of Albania of all times based on points per match in UEFA Euro 2004 and FIFA World Cup 2006 qualifiers.