The former German international holds the record for playing in the most World Cups and is also the most capped player of all time for his nation. In 1990 the midfielder was named European Footballer of the Year and World Soccer Player of the Year after captaining West Germany to victory in the 1990 World Cup. One year later, he was also named the first ever FIFA World Player of the Year.
Having played with some of the greatest ever players during a distinguished career involving spells at Bayern Munich, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Inter Milan, Matthäus is considered one of the best German players ever. Having been extremely successful, the only major honour which eluded Matthäus was the Champions League; he was part of the Bayern Munich side who infamously lost to Manchester United in 1999 though Matthäus was contoversially subbed in the 86th minute whilst Bayern were still leading 1-0.
Matthäus who was described by Diego Maradona as “ the best rival I've ever had” is now the manager of Israeli side Maccabi Netanya FC after spells coaching Rapid Wien, Partizan Belgrade and the Hungary national side. Maccabi Netanya FC are one of the leading forces in Israeli football since the arrival of Mr. Daniel Jammer, who acquired the club in 2006 and brought Lothar Matthäus to Israel this summer.
How does it feel to have played in more World Cups than anyone else and to have won the most caps for the German national side?
I am proud about my past, but I live and focus on the here and now.
Who was the best player you shared a pitch with and why?
Andreas Brehme, a very intelligent player with equal shooting strength in both legs.
What was the highlight of your career?
I would say it was the World Cup in 1990
You were assigned to mark Maradona in the '86 World Cup final, how hard a task was that? How did it feel to get revenge and beat a Maradona-led Argentina in 1990?
It was a task in the final match, but then the manager changed the tactics. There was no revenge, and I did not consider it as a revenge. However, I was delighted about the victory.
How did it feel to lose to Man. Utd in the 1999 Champions League Final and if you had stayed on the pitch, do you think Munich would have won?
It’s not relevant anymore, as it lies in the past. We lost the game.
How did you find the football different in Italy and Germany?
Tactically, Italy’s football is different.
How have you found the move into coaching and what are your personal aims both with Maccabi Netanya and for the future? Would you like to manage the national side?
It was pretty much a natural progression. In football, you can not look too far ahead. I focus on the here and now, and am giving my best.
TF90M would like to thank Lothar for his time and we wish him the best of luck in his new position as a manager.
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