In association with NewBettingOffers.co.uk, we had the privilege of sitting down with Markus Babbel, a German football legend who has made his mark both on the field and in the coaching world.
In this exclusive interview for Total Football Analysis, Markus shares his thoughts on the evolution of football tactics, his coaching philosophy and style, the unforgettable moments that defined his career, and the question every football fan has an answer to: Messi or Ronaldo?
Does Markus Babbel Have Any Plans To Return To Coaching?
Total Football Analysis:
Good morning, Markus. It’s an honour to have the opportunity to chat with someone who has had a great career both on the field and on the sidelines.
After your playing career, you took on a new challenge by stepping into the coaching world.
You started at VfB Stuttgart and then ended with Sydney Wanderers FC in Australia.
Since leaving there in 2020, we are curious: are you looking to return to coaching?
Markus Babbel:
Not really, because it’s a tough job.
My family and I had a fantastic end with Sydney Wanderers. It was a brilliant time over there, a great experience.
Not only about the football but even for us as a family, it was an amazing experience. I can’t believe that something could be better than Sydney Wanderers.
It was a brilliant time, and now I’ve found a new way.
I’m working in television now, and I really enjoy it because it’s not so stressful.
How Did Markus Babbel’s Time As A Player Influence His Coaching Style?
Total Football Analysis:
It’s fascinating to hear your perspective.
As a player, I’m sure you’ve met and worked with some great people.
How did your experience as a player help or influence your coaching philosophy and style?
Markus Babbel:
A lot — every manager gives you something.
Maybe you stop in your way and say, ‘Okay, I didn’t like this manager’s approach, so I won’t do that with my team.’ Or you might say, ‘This manager was fantastic; I learned a lot from them.’
I always tried to pick out the best things from all the managers I had.
Some managers weren’t good, but that was also a learning experience for me.
I thought, ‘If I hated it as a player, why should I do it as a manager?’
So, I tried to take the best things from all my managers and combine them with my own ideas.
Of course, you have to find your own way as well.
My time was totally different from now.
Back then, we had many old-fashioned managers.
It was a different time, so we didn’t have tactics or anything like that.
I only started learning tactics at 28 years old when I was at Liverpool.
It was the first time I came across tactical practice on the pitch, and I thought: ‘What is this?’
It was a big learning process for me, and I had to get out of my comfort zone.
But it was interesting, and I had to learn a lot for my coaching career because I hadn’t seen it before.
Are Modern Tactics Messing Up The Beautiful Game?
Total Football Analysis:
Do you think the modern era of tactics in football is slowing down the flair and freedom that players used to have?
Do you see this as a positive or negative change for the fans who enjoy entertainment?”
Markus Babbel:
Very difficult question; tactics — sometimes, if I hear some managers talking about tactics, I think: ‘Wow, slow down, slow down.’
There are still 11 players on the pitch, and it’s 11 against 11.
Tactics can help you defend better and attack better, but in the end, it’s always the players.
If you have higher-quality players, it’s easier to win games. If you don’t, then you have to find a tactic that can help you not lose.
The biggest problem I see is that during my time, I had to think about how to defend against a player like Overmars.
I had to man-mark him, and I had to communicate with my teammates to ensure I could handle him.
Nowadays, players are taught tactics from a young age, and they stop thinking for themselves.
They rely too much on the system.
So, while tactics are important, they’re not the most important thing for me.
What Was Markus Babbel’s Biggest Match Ever?
Total Football Analysis:
It’s always been a topic of discussion that young players are delving into tactics too early, which might impact their creativity later on.
We appreciate your insight and experience working with kids and how your playing time impacted you.
On a more personal level, do you have a favourite match that you played in or coached?
What made it stand out for you?
Markus Babbel:
My biggest game ever, in terms of emotions and everything, was the semi-final in 1996 against England at the old Wembley Stadium.
Even in Germany, Wembley is a big name.
We played the whole group stage and quarter-finals in Manchester, but for the semi-final, we came to London to play at Wembley against England.
The day before, we had training there to get a feel for the pitch, and I came out thinking: ‘Oh my God, how old is this stadium? This is Wembley?’
I couldn’t believe it because we had better stadiums in Germany, and even Manchester had better ones.
But on the day of the match, the stadium was full of English supporters, and I changed my mind completely.
I couldn’t concentrate on the game because I was so captivated by the atmosphere.
The fans sang for 120 minutes straight, and I had never experienced anything like it before.
And, of course, the result was brilliant for us.
We won on penalties against a very strong English team with big players. What a game that was!
Messi Or Ronaldo?
Total Football Analysis:
Just one final question to wrap up this interview.
It’s a question that every football fan has an opinion on: Messi or Ronaldo?
Markus Babbel:
Two unbelievable players.
The most important thing for me is that they inspired so many young players.
I think that’s the biggest thing—both of them did it.
My personal favourite is Messi because he can score goals and create goals. Ronaldo is more of a goal scorer, but what he did is unbelievable.
If you’re talking about the greatest players, you have to mention Pele or Maradona, but for this century, it’s Messi and Ronaldo.
If I had to choose, I would take Messi because I like how he plays, creates chances, and scores goals.
But that doesn’t mean Ronaldo is any less—a true legend.
Total Football Analysis:
Well, thank you for your time and for sharing your insights, Markus.
It’s been a pleasure to hear you talk about your experience as a player and as a coach, and we wish you the best in all your future endeavours.
