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Otto Nerz, born on October 21, 1892, in Hechingen, Germany, was a prominent German football player and manager. Otto Nerz was the first head coach of the German national football team, serving from 1923 to 1936.
Otto Nerz’s Biography
Nerz started his career as an elementary school teacher, becoming Baden’s youngest teacher at the age of 18. He had a liking for sports and volunteered to serve in the German Army during World War I.
Unfortunately, he was injured in 1916 and was later invalidated as a vice sergeant in the Army Reserve. Following the war, he pursued a career in sports, earning qualifications as a gymnast and sports teacher.
Nerz enrolled in 1922 at the German University for Physical Education in Berlin, where he studied and lectured on sports. His interest in the treatment of sports injuries led him to become a medical doctor in 1934.
His desire to understand and improve German football standards prompted him to watch league and cup games in England, Austria, and Italy. He sought instruction from world-renowned instructors including Jimmy Hogan, Hugo Meisl, and Vittorio Pozzo.
Under Nerz’s leadership, the German national team improved from one of the weakest in Europe to a strong team by European standards. Germany declined to compete in the first World Cup in 1930, but they fared well in the 1934 tournament in Italy.
Germany finished third, significantly increasing the popularity of football in the country.
Following the team’s triumph, Nerz’s status as Germany’s national team coach grew, particularly after he joined the Nazi Party and ascended to the level of Obersturmbannfรผhrer in the SA during World War II.
The German government had high expectations for his team at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.
Germany, on the other hand, was eliminated early after losing to Norway. Nerz was replaced shortly thereafter by Sepp Herberger, an assistant coach.
After quitting the German national team, Nerz worked as an administrator and coach for the Berlin Football Association. In addition, Adolf Hitler appointed him as a philosophy professor at the University of Berlin. During World War II, he served at a military hospital in Berlin, introducing regular fitness routines for patients.
Nerz was taken prisoner by the British following the Battle of Berlin because he was a member of the Nazi Party. He was later turned over to Soviet authorities and incarcerated in a camp in Sachsenhausen.
After four years in jail, Nerz died of cerebral edoema in April 1949 and was buried in a mass grave on the camp grounds. Despite the questionable aspects of his life, Otto Nerz made lasting contributions to German football and had a big impact on the game.
Otto Nerz’s Age
Otto Nerz was 56 years old at the time of his death.
Otto Nerz’s Birth Date
Otto Nerz was born on October 21, 1892, in Hechingen, Germany
Otto Nerz’s Height
Otto Nerz exact height is unknown as there is no information about it
Otto Nerz’s Weight
Otto Nerz’s weight is unknown currently.
Otto Nerz’s Net Worth
Otto Nerz’s net worth is unknown at the moment.
Otto Nerz’s Parents
Otto Nerz’s parents name are unknown at the moment.
Otto Nerz’s Wife
Otto Nerz’s wife’s identity is unknown as there is no information about her.
Otto Nerz’s Girlfriend.
Otto Nerz does not have any known girlfriend.
Otto Nerz’s Children
Otto Nerz’s children are unknown as there is no information about them.
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