Fifty years ago, Bayern became the first German team to win a hat-trick of Bundesliga titles and the European Cup – all within the space of eight days. Members magazine ‘51’ has taken a look back at four unforgettable games and forgotten moments off the pitch in May 1974. Part 2 sees coach Udo Lattek recall tough periods before the big final.
Sunday, 12 May
On Sunday morning, coach Lattek met a reporter from the Münchner Merkur for a big interview. “We're not quite fit yet,” apologised his wife Hildegard, “we both didn't sleep well after all the excitement.” In the interview, the Bundesliga-winning coach thought back to difficult times during the season, such as the 7-4 defeat to Kaiserslautern or when they were on the brink of elimination from the European Cup in the all-German tie against Dynamo Dresden. “I'd never been through anything like that as a coach, it was a rollercoaster ride for me,” said Lattek.
I'd never been through anything like that as a coach, it was a rollercoaster ride for me.
Udo Lattek
It was all the more amazing that the team rose like a phoenix from the ashes. After all the criticism, it was good for Bayern that they had not only secured the title but also had the best attack in the league with 95 goals. “Gladbach offer more attractive games than we do,” mused Lattek in the moment of success. “They run their opponents into the ground, exhaust themselves in every game (...) we divide our energy and don't use everything up in every game.” Would Bayern have enough strength for one last big game?
Read part 1 of our series here:
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