|
|
Hitzfeld hails Aston Villa appointment of former Dortmund stalwart Lambert
Jun 3, 2012 12:40:00 AM
The German manager coached the new Villa boss in Germany and delivered a glowing assessment of his qualities as a player and person ahead of his move to Villa Park
New Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has received a complimentary reference from Ottmar Hitzfeld, his manager during his Champions League-winning spell at Borussia Dortmund, ahead of his move to Villa Park.The legendary German coach signed the Scot from Motherwell in 1996 and was keen to praise the qualities he identified as being transferable between a player and manager. Lambert has since been recognised as one of the most promising coaches in Europe, prompting an approach from the Midlands club.
"As a player, Paul always thought like a coach," Hitzfeld told The Mirror. "He was a leader. I have followed his career since.
"What was most critical was that Paul was a very good team player. That is one of the most important qualities as a coach and manager of a team.
"Paul was one of the players responsible for keeping a good mood in the dressing room before a game, and after a defeat he was one of those who knew how to address a situation or any problem."
Lambert had been with Norwich since 2009, achieving back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League and securing a 12th-placed finish in their first season back in the top flight since 2004.
He replaces Alex McLeish in the Villa Park hot seat after the former Rangers boss was dismissed last month for guiding his side to just 16th place in the table, only two points off the relegation zone.
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Ancelotti’s departure leaves PSG in a pickle
With the Italian bound for Spain, the Ligue 1 champions face an uncertain immediate future
-
Cartoon: Bayern & Dortmund given licence to thrill
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day
-
Eredivisie awards for 2012-13
Goal crowns the best and worst from Netherlands over the course of the 2012-13 campaign
-
-
Goal's Serie A awards for 2012-13
Goal crowns the best and worst from Italy over the course of the season
