What Football has taught Hansi Flick (Patreon)

Football has been an integral part of Hansi Flick's life for as long as he can remember. His father, who was forbidden from playing as a child, pursued the sport passionately as an adult, both as a player and a fan. Despite his grandmother's restrictions, his father would occasionally sneak off to play, which instilled a deep love for the game in Hansi from an early age. Watching his father play for their village team in Mückenloch, young Hansi was captivated by the joy and freedom football brought to his father. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for the game, one that has profoundly shaped Hansi’s journey.

The Positive Feedback Loop

For Hansi, life is about discovering one's passion and developing skills and strengths accordingly. Football taught him early on the value of hard work and diligence. As a child, Hansi dedicated every free minute to training, often with the support of his father, who would train with him and his brother. These rigorous training sessions set off a positive feedback loop, teaching Hansi that effort pays off. This lesson became deeply ingrained in him, shaping his belief that there are no shortcuts to success. When the results of hard work become evident, Hansi realized that the journey itself is as valuable as the destination.

Taking Responsibility

One of the most important lessons football has taught Hansi is the concept of personal responsibility. It’s easy to blame external circumstances when things go wrong, but Hansi learned early in his career that taking ownership of his actions and seeking constructive feedback is key to growth. This was exemplified during his time at Bayern Munich when he approached assistant coach Egon Coordes for advice. This willingness to take responsibility and act on feedback led to his Bundesliga debut and underscored the importance of initiative in his career.

The Right Perspective

Hansi has always been fascinated by the mental aspect of football. He’s seen many talented players struggle due to self-doubt, despite their physical and technical abilities. Through his experiences, Hansi learned that confidence in one’s abilities is crucial. This belief is something he actively instills in his players, focusing on building their self-confidence by emphasizing what they do well before addressing weaknesses. For Hansi, the development of a player’s self-belief is as important as their technical training.

A Better Position

Football also deepened Hansi’s appreciation for teamwork and the sense of togetherness it fosters. From a young age, he learned that success is often the result of collective effort rather than individual brilliance. Throughout his career, Hansi has valued the support of his family, friends, and teammates, recognizing that their unconditional support has been a cornerstone of his achievements. This sense of camaraderie and mutual respect is something he strives to cultivate in his teams, believing that a strong, united group can achieve far more than any individual alone.

Step by Step

Hansi’s approach to his career has always been methodical and patient. He believes in taking things step by step, never rushing the process. This mindset was particularly important when he transitioned from being a player to a coach. Hansi chose to start his coaching career in the lower leagues, testing what he had learned and gradually developing his style. This careful, deliberate approach allowed him to build a strong foundation, ensuring that each step he took was based on solid ground.

A Lifetime of Learning

For Hansi, football has been a lifelong adventure of learning and growth. Even in the later stages of his career, he continues to see himself as a curious learner, always open to new ideas and approaches. He finds inspiration in observing his colleagues, like Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel, and applies these insights to his own coaching philosophy. This commitment to continuous learning keeps him motivated and allows him to constantly evolve, both as a coach and as an individual.

Celebrating Football as Art

One of the most memorable moments in Hansi’s career was a match that Bayern Munich lost—the UEFA Cup semifinal in 1989 against Napoli. Despite the loss, the game left a lasting impression on him because it encapsulated everything that makes football special: the passion of the fans, the artistry of the players, and the beauty of the game itself. For Hansi, football at its best transcends sport and becomes a form of art, where the collective effort of the team creates something truly extraordinary.

Passing on the Passion

Hansi finds great fulfillment in helping others develop and succeed. Working with a talented team to achieve shared goals brings him immense joy. He is particularly proud when he sees his players embracing the lessons he’s taught them. A touching example of this was when Thiago Alcântara, after moving from Bayern to Liverpool, sent Hansi a signed jersey with the message: "Enjoy your passion—thanks for teaching me that." Moments like these encapsulate what football has taught Hansi Flick: the importance of passion, hard work, and the joy of passing on what he has learned to the next generation.

Reference: Hansi Flick - Im Moment: https://amzn.to/4dttf7S