A former manager of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Germany, Erik Gentner was appointed as Harchester United manager in October 2008.
Gentner's managerial career began in 1986 when he took charge of West German side Waldhof Mannheim, a club with little fortune but lots of ambition thanks to Gentner's guidance.
After 3 seasons of stability in keeping Mannheim in the Bundesliga, Eintracht Frankfurt, a club which had only just survived relegation following a Play-Off, persuaded Gentner to join them as manager and a massive turnaround in that club's fortunes was to begin.
Eintracht enjoyed five Top 5 finishes in 6 years, and each of those 6 years European qualification was achieved. A record not to be ignored and in the 1996 it was Bayern Munich that came knocking.
After taking over as Bayern Munich manager in 1996, Gentner led the club on to becoming German champions 4 times, was well as German Cup winners twice. He also landed the big one in 2001 as Bayern Munich defeat Valencia to win the UEFA Champions League.
Following the 2002 World Cup, Gentner became the manager of the German National side and it was his duty to win qualification for Euro 2004. However, midway through the campaign, he resigned from this post to become manager of Real Madrid. This decision severely angered the German nation and he has never been offered another managerial position nor TV Punditry role in the country since.
Gentner had a tough time attempting to win over the Real Madrid fans during his time at the club, but due to a lack of silverware he was eventually sacked in April 2006.
His time at Real Madrid seemed to often taint an otherwise successful career as he was not offered another managerial position until Harchester United offered him the role of manager in October 2008.
Even though it had been around 2 and half years since his last job, Gentner hadn't lost his touch as he turned around the ailing fortunes of Harchester United's season to get them qualification for the Champions League.
Now in his 4th season at the Dragon's Lair, Harchester United have never finished outside the Top 3 under Erik Gentner, they have never failed to qualify for at least the UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals and they have also won the Carling Cup for the first time in their history.
Pundits may say that Gentner lost his way at Real Madrid, but looks like he has refound that successful spark once again at Harchester United.
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