Hartberg coach in private

“That was a very drastic experience at the time”

Manfred Schmid has arrived in his new sporting home in Hartberg.

(Bild: Pail Sepp)

Hartberg coach Manfred Schmid has arrived in his new home. The 53-year-old has come to stay and has already left his mark with three wins in his first four games. Schmid chatted to the "Krone" about his childhood, past coaching stints, his son - and a visit to Helene Fischer. 

"Krone": Mr. Schmid, when people walk through the town with you here in Hartberg, they immediately notice your open manner. You immediately strike up a conversation with people, with the fans of TSV Hartberg, you have no fear of contact at all, you are approachable.
Manfred Schmid: I'm in Hartberg because I want to be here. I have an apartment here and didn't want to commute. My family is often here and comes to visit me. But I want to work and get to know people from the region. It's important for me to know what people and fans think. I don't just want to stay in my own coaching bubble. Fans also have an outside perspective. I had the same experience in Cologne and Dortmund. Most of them are happy when I come there too. Because I treated them normally and always with respect. I want to talk, communicate and have fun.