Former Premier League manager who ‘tried to cure players by rubbing cheese on them’ throws ring in hat for Germany job

EX-PREMIER LEAGUE manager Felix Magath has thrown his hat in the ring for the Germany job.

The Germany position is vacant after the DFB sacked former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick following a dismal run of results, making him the first-ever manager to be sacked in the history of the position.

Now, Magath – manager of Fulham for just over seven months in 2014 – has declared he is the man to lead the Germans to glory when they host Euro 2024.

After Flick’s sacking he said: “I don’t know what requirements profile the DFB has created for this position.

“But in my opinion, it is very clear that we in football now urgently need someone who can put this completely insecure team back together, which is no longer able to match its performance.”

The 70-year-old is well respected in Germany, having won the Bundesliga on three occasions – twice with Bayern Munich and once with Wolfsburg.

However, in England, Magath’s ill-fated spell at Craven Cottage is best remembered for him attempting to heal injuries with cheese.

Former Fulham defender Brede Hangeland claimed Magath had told him to put a lump of cheese which had been soaked in alcohol on the problem area of a minor injury he had.

Then team-mate and now pundit Danny Murphy went into more detail on the theory, commenting: “He got a lump of cheese, soaked in alcohol, and told him to leave it on overnight.

“This is from the horse’s mouth. I know the club doctor well.

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“It was one of many ridiculous, sad stories that we have heard about Felix that has ultimately cost him his job.”

Magath did not deny he had sensationally suggested using cheese when asked about it, but insisted it had been blown out of proportion.

He said: “I merely suggested it could be worth trying the old wives’ tale of applying quark cheese to the injured area.

“These false stories from the player Hangeland are rubbish. I would never tell a doctor what to do. But sadly this story has now been taken on and distorted by the media.”

After leaving Fulham, Magath headed to China to take charge of Chinese Super League club Shandong Luneng.

Magath remained in the post for 18 months before he was sacked.

He returned to Europe in global sports director roles at Austrian second tier side Admira Wacker and Würzburger Kickers in Germany’s fourth tier.

He made a brief return to management in 2022, managing nine games for Hertha Berlin.

Julian Nagelsmann, Ralph Hasenhuttl and Zinedine Zidane are among the names linked with the job.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted taking the role “would be a great honour” in the summer.

However, he reaffirmed his commitment to Liverpool by saying: “I can’t just leave Liverpool now and say I’ll take over Germany for a short time.

“That doesn’t work and the request isn’t even there. If I’m supposed to do that at some point, then I have to be available and I’m not currently. I have a responsibility towards the club.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk