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Marcel KollerSwiss midfielder, former player of the club "Grasshoppers"
Date of Birth: 11.11.1960
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
Marcel Koller: Swiss Midfielder and Renowned Coach
Marcel Koller, a Swiss midfielder, spent his entire 24-year playing career with Grasshoppers Zurich. During his time with the club, he won seven Swiss championships and five Swiss cups. He also represented Switzerland 55 times, including at the 1996 European Championships in England.
Coaching Career
Koller began his coaching career on July 1, 1997, with Wil in the Swiss second division. In 1999, he moved to St. Gallen in the top flight. Under Koller's guidance, St. Gallen won their first Swiss championship since 1904 in the 1999/2000 season. The team also reached the first round of the UEFA Cup the following season, defeating Chelsea. Koller was named Swiss Coach of the Year in 2000 for these achievements.
On January 9, 2002, Koller became head coach of Grasshoppers, leading them to the Swiss championship in 2002/03. However, he resigned the following season after a string of five defeats, including one against his former club Wil.
Stint at Cologne
Following his departure from Grasshoppers, Koller was appointed head coach of 1. FC Köln. He was tasked with saving the club from relegation to the 2. Bundesliga, but failed to do so. Koller remained at Köln from November 2, 2003, to June 14, 2004. Despite his overall unsuccessful stint, he is credited with discovering the talent of Lukas Podolski.
Bochum Years
Koller became head coach of VfL Bochum on May 23, 2005. In the 2005/06 season, the team finished first in the 2. Bundesliga and earned promotion to the Bundesliga. In the 2006/07 season, Bochum finished eighth, their third-best result in the club's history. Koller was dismissed as head coach on September 20, 2009, after a poor start to the 2009/10 season.
