Generation Lahmsteiger by Justin Kraft
What is it about?
“Generation Lahmsteiger” takes a look at one of FC Bayern’s most successful eras, which was - among others - shaped by Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm.
OK, but what is it really about?
Author Justin Kraft, a devoted FC Bayern supporter, blogger and writer, analyses the development of Germany’s most decorated football club in the years between 2009 and 2019, including the most devastating setbacks and gratifying triumphs. He begins by describing Bayern’s humiliating defeat against Barcelona, which – in hindsight – would become the turning point for the club to claw its way back to the top of Europe, culminating in the historical 2012/13 treble-winning season and its overwhelming dominance in the Bundesliga under Pep Guardiola.
Is it any good?
When I first read this book – I actually won a signed copy after participating in a social media campaign – I only knew of the author because I followed him on Twitter. Justin is part of the team at Miasanrot, a blog dedicated to everything FC Bayern, and one I’ve been reading religiously, dating back to the time when I was still living in Jakarta. A few months after this book was published, Miasanrot announced that they were looking for new translators and writers. Long story short, I’m now myself part of the Miasanrot family, and Justin, the author, is no longer “just someone I follow on Twitter”, but someone who has relentlessly encouraged and supported me to write more about football myself. (Thank you for that!)
I’m obviously also a staunch supporter of FC Bayern, and Bastian Schweinsteiger is my all-time favorite player. Every time I remember his missed penalty in the 2012 Champions League final, my heart still aches; when I watch scenes of him lifting the very same trophy one year later, I go all dewy; and whenever someone mentions the World Cup 2014, this iconic image of a bruised and bleeding Schweinsteiger appears in my mind.
Therefore, I’m probably not very impartial as a reader. One might argue, that also makes the author pretty biased. And yes, of course it does, but writing this book as a lifelong Bayern fan doesn’t mean that the author is unable to ask uncomfortable questions, to challenge and to criticize.
Justin’s personal observations and memories alternate with detailed commentary about tactics and strategy – for me, it was especially the latter that was extremely interesting because even though I consider myself to be a football fan with passion and heart, I’m not an expert in analyzing lineups or style of play; the way Justin explains these details in easy terms and with the help of graphics, it makes even readers like myself think: “Ah! That’s how it works! I get it.”
Most memorable quote?
“Große Spiele des FC Bayern konnte ich schon damals nicht verfolgen, ohne vorher irgendein negatives Szenario durchzuspielen.“ (rough translation: “Even back then, I couldn’t watch important FC Bayern games without imagining some kind of worst-case scenario first.”) – This quote basically sums up my entire being as a football fan. I feel you, Justin!
Conclusion?
Even though “Generation Lahmsteiger” was only published last year in March, a lot – a LOT – has changed in the football world in general, and for FC Bayern in particular. Actually, it feels as if this book was written a lifetime ago, not least because of the global pandemic that continues to disrupt our lives on every level.
But it is also interesting to see that this book was written and published during a time when FC Bayern’s coach was still Niko Kovac, not Hansi Flick. The club has spectacularly won another treble since and is widely regarded as one of the best teams in Europe again – a far cry from where they were in 2019.
In chapter 5, “Der Übergang” (The Transition), Justin creates a list of what qualities Bayern’s future coach has to bring to the table to be successful. It’s almost eerie to read this paragraph now because it feels like the author is talking about Hansi Flick – even though back then, there was no indication whatsoever that he’d take over at some point.
On the very last page of the book, Justin wonders how long it will probably take until FC Bayern will win the next Champions League title. While I am typing these words, I can’t help but smile because I know the answer: August 23, 2020. I’m not sure that the author expected another title this fast. But be that as it may, the club still faces more challenges on the road ahead, in order to complete the transition and let the new generation shape their own era, just like Lahm and Schweinsteiger did before them.
If nothing else, this book was a wonderful trip down memory lane. Since it is about an era that was so important to me as a fan, it was quite an emotional ride as well – and probably one I’ll happily come back to time and time again. However, the question remains: when will “Generation Lahmsteiger” be available in English?
PS: Justin is also the author of “Zurück an die Spitze”, which was officially published earlier this week. Wait, another book about FC Bayern?! Hell yes, I’m in!
AT A GLANCE
Title: Generation Lahmsteiger
Author: Justin Kraft
Published by: Copress Sport (2019)
Pages: 208
Language: German