German football is in mourning following the death of legendary assistant coach Peter Hermann, who passed away at the age of 74 after battling a long-term neurological illness. Hermann, whose decades-long career shaped the Bundesliga and reached its pinnacle with the 2013 treble at FC Bayern Munich, died on Saturday, according to his former club Bayer Leverkusen citing his family. The illness was identified as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and incurable disease affecting the motor nervous system.
The news prompted a wave of emotional tributes across German football, most notably from his long-time companion Jupp Heynckes. In a poignant guest contribution for the football magazine Kicker, the 81-year-old former head coach paid tribute to his “eternal” assistant, describing him as a “consistently loyal partner on equal terms.” Heynckes and Hermann operated as “brothers in spirit,” according to the former Bayern boss, who noted that the two men never experienced disagreements or arguments during their extensive time working together side by side on the bench.
Hermann’s passing deeply affected those closest to him, both personally and professionally. Heynckes learned of his friend’s death through Hermann’s daughter, Rebecca. Describing the moment in his published remarks, Heynckes wrote that he and his wife, Iris, sat at their table and could not stop their tears, adding that human vocabulary lacks the proper words for such a profound loss. He noted that Hermann’s life centered entirely on his family and football, praising his wife, Barbara, and other family members for providing round-the-clock care during his final months.
A Lasting Legacy in the Bundesliga
Throughout a career that spanned decades, Peter Hermann became one of the most respected and trusted figures in German professional football. While his association with Bayer Leverkusen included roles as an interim head coach, assistant coach for the professional squad, reserve team manager, and scout, his footprint extended across multiple elite clubs. His partnership with Heynckes at Bayern Munich defined an era, culminating in the historic 2013 treble when Bayern secured the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League titles.
Following Hermann’s ALS diagnosis, Heynckes maintained regular contact with his former assistant. Reflecting on their final meeting, Heynckes shared that he visited his friend approximately three months before his passing. During that visit, Hermann could barely speak, requiring assistance from his son-in-law to communicate because Heynckes could no longer easily understand him. “On the drive home, with the image of my so terribly afflicted friend before my eyes, I wept bitterly in the car,” Heynckes wrote, adding that Hermann never complained about his difficult fate.
Outpouring of Grief Across German Football
The football community responded swiftly to the loss of a coach known as much for his human warmth as for his tactical diligence. Following the announcement, various Bundesliga figures and former colleagues expressed their public condolences. Niko Kovač reportedly canceled a scheduled interview in the wake of the news, reflecting the deep personal ties Hermann had forged across the league during his career.
Clubs where Hermann left an indelible mark, including Bayer Leverkusen and FC Bayern Munich, released statements honoring his dedication and character. As the German football community processes the loss of one of its most steadfast and influential backroom figures, memorials and tributes from former players and colleagues continue to highlight a life dedicated to the sport and his family.
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