Hermann stessl Celebrates 85th birthday - A Century Coach Honored
Hermann Stessl, a legendary figure in Austrian football, celebrates his 85th birthday today. Born in Graz, Stessl began his playing career at GAK, where he spent 17 years before finishing his time on the pitch with FC Dornbirn in 1970.
Stessl transitioned into coaching and found immediate success with Austria Vienna, taking the helm in 1977 at the proposal of outgoing coach Karl Stotz. His approachable and straightforward manner quickly resonated with the team,leading them to a remarkable run to the European Cup final in 1978. Despite this historic achievement and securing two championship titles, Stessl was surprisingly dismissed in 1979, replaced by Erich Hof.
His career continued internationally with stints at AEK Athens, FC Porto, Boavista, and Vitória Guimarães. He returned to austria in 1986, leading Austria Vienna to another double victory. Further coaching roles followed at FC Zurich, Racing Santander, SC eisenstadt, and Krems.
Stessl returned for a third and final spell as Austria Vienna’s head coach, orchestrating a dramatic championship win at the end of the 1992/93 season. Overcoming a mid-season deficit, the team secured the 21st championship title in club history with a decisive 4-0 derby victory in the final round, winning on goal difference.
He retired from coaching in 1996 at the age of 56, dedicating himself to the “Hermann-Stessl football school,” running popular holiday football camps for children aged 7 to 14 for decades.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions,Stessl was named Austria coach of the century during the club’s 100-year anniversary celebrations at the Wiener Stadthalle.
The entire austria Vienna family warmly congratulates Hermann Stessl on his 85th birthday!
