Lippo Herzka
Hungary- Lippo Herczka: A Hungarian Pioneer in Spanish Football
- Coaching Career in Spain
- Success with Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao
- Triumph with Real Madrid
- Later Career
- Success in Portugal
Lippo Herczka: A Hungarian Pioneer in Spanish Football
Arrival in SpainLippo Herczka, a Hungarian footballer and coach, arrived in Spain in 1921 to join Real Sociedad from German club Essener TB. Sociedad had become interested in Herczka after a friendly match against Essen.
Coaching Career in Spain
After retiring from playing, Herczka took over as manager of San Sebastian-based club Real Sociedad, becoming the first Hungarian to coach a professional Spanish team. His connections in Central European football helped Sociedad organize tours of Austria, Hungary, and Germany in 1924 and 1925, making them the first Spanish club to embark on such a venture.
Success with Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao
Under Herczka's guidance, Real Sociedad played 52 matches, winning 35, drawing 8, and losing 9. He then moved to Athletic Bilbao, before taking charge of Sevilla FC in 1928. With Sevilla, he won the Segunda División title in 1929, but the team was unable to gain promotion to La Liga due to regulations.
Triumph with Real Madrid
In 1931, Herczka became the manager of Real Madrid. Under his leadership, the team won their first-ever La Liga title in 1932, winning 10 of the 18 matches played and drawing the remaining 8. Despite this success, he was eventually replaced by Santiago Bernabeu in what was initially considered a temporary appointment.
Later Career
In 1932, Herczka joined third-tier club Hercules CF, leading them to first place in the Tercera División but failing to earn promotion to the Segunda División. After a loss to Real Gimnastic on January 14, 1934, he was dismissed, and the team went on to finish 4th under player-manager Manuel Suarez de Begoña but was awarded a spot in the Segunda División through a mutual agreement.
Success in Portugal
Herczka returned to coaching in Portugal, where he won several Portuguese championships with Benfica.
