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🇦🇹 Austria /Sports

Béla Guttmann: The Holocaust survivor who revolutionized football

From Der Standard · () German

Translated from German and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • David Bolchover's book 'The Greatest Comeback' profiles football coach Béla Guttmann.
  • Guttmann's life story encompasses his survival of the Holocaust, his coaching career, and personal tragedies.
  • The book explores his innovative football tactics and the lasting impact of his legendary curse on a famous club.

David Bolchover's book, 'The Greatest Comeback,' delves into the extraordinary life of Béla Guttmann, a figure whose influence on football transcended the sport itself.

Guttmann's journey was marked by profound personal experiences, including his survival of the Holocaust. This harrowing period undoubtedly shaped his resilience and perspective, elements that would later inform his approach to coaching and life.

The narrative also highlights Guttmann's restless spirit and his legendary "curse" placed upon a famous club after a contract dispute. This curse, which foretold the club's inability to win a European trophy without him, became a significant part of football folklore.

Beyond the pitch, the book touches upon a fatal accident, adding another layer of tragedy and complexity to Guttmann's already remarkable life. Bolchover's work aims to paint a comprehensive portrait of the man, exploring his impact not just on football tactics but on the broader human experience.

About this summary

Originally published by Der Standard in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.