The story of the manager who invented Gengenpressing is truly fascinating. This article explores the life of Ralf Rangnick, a brilliant strategist whose childhood was marked by the hardships his parents endured due to World War II, especially his mother, Erika. Ralf Rangnick’s biography begins with his early days in Backnang, West Germany, and details his early playing career in England with a lesser-known team.
We’ll also delve into the injuries he sustained, including broken ribs and punctured lungs, which led to a frustrating playing career and ultimately made him give up playing football. Despite these setbacks, Ralf rose to become one of the most respected German managers of his generation.
We’ll discuss why Ralf is considered an idol by top football coaches such as Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool), Ralph Hasenhüttl (Southampton), and Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea).
A Story of Ralf Rangnick: Football’s Godfather of Gengenpressing
Our Ralf Rangnick Biography tells you Facts about his Childhood Story, Early Life, Parents (Erika and Dietrich Rangnick), Family Background, and Wife (Gabriele Lamm).
More so, the German Manager’s Children (David and Kevin Rangnick), Lifestyle, Personal Life and Net Worth.
Preamble:
To whet your autobiography appetite about how engaging Ralf Rangnick’s Biography would be, We’ve made it necessary to unveil to you his Boyhood to Fame diary. No doubt, this picture tells the Manager’s Life journey.
Ralf Rangnick Biography – Behold his Early Life and Success Gallery.
YES, you might not know this … that Ralf Rangnick’s route to the top of the Football management has been very wayward.
The Manager has risen from the depths of football obscurity – up to the stage of now having a competition with Marcelo Bielsa as one of the most respected Managers in World Football.
He is a big winner but not as vibrant as Jurgen Klopp (in the area of title celebration) since after this field accident. Ralf Rangnick once injured his leg while celebrating a victorious moment.
Despite the huge accolades to his coaching prowess, we realizes that just a few of football fans have read an in-depth version of Ralf Rangnick’s Biography.
Without further ado, let’s begin with the story of his Early Life.
Ralf Rangnick Childhood Story:
For Biography starters, the football manager bears the nicknames “The Professor” and “Godfather of Gegenpressing”.
Ralf Rangnick was born on the 29th day of June 1958 to his mother, Erika Rangnick, and father, Dietrich Rangnick, in Backnang, West Germany.
His birth was destined in the year 1944. That year, both of Ralf Rangnick’s parents left their homeland, met, and began dating in a refugee camp in Lichtenstein.
This is a town in the Zwickau district in Saxony, Germany. Ralf Rangnick is the only child of his Dad and Mum.
Early Years and Growing Up:
Fears of failure and sleeping disorders shaped the childhood life of Ralf Rangnick. The issue came as a result of family problems, which we will explain in his family background section.
As a child, Ralf had to take on a huge responsibility, even playing the role of an adult.
“I was an only child of my parents, and my father went to work in the morning and often told me while on his way: ‘
Ralf, Please take good care of mom,'”
Ralf said this in an interview with the German weekly newspaper “Die Zeit”.
NOW THE QUESTION – Why does he have to take care of his Mum and not the other way around?… This is because Erika (the woman who gave birth to him) was really sick – during his early life.
Ralf Rangnick Family Background:
The Football manager hails from a struggling household, one greatly affected by World War II.
Ralf Rangnick’s mother’s sickness brought a tough experience to his early life. While his Dad went to work, he looked after her alone, always afraid of her worsening condition.
Aside from his Mum, there was a phase of an illness that affected Ralf in his childhood and adolescence.
Thankfully, he recovered. But that of Ralf’s Mum kept on … as it affected her mental wellbeing. NO THANKS to the psychological consequences of World War II.
Because he stayed awake looking after his Mum when his Dad was away, there came this sleeping disorder and the fear of failure.
It shaped Ralf Rangnick’s Early Life. That made him become very sensitive (even in football) in caring for and managing players’ problems.
Ralf Rangnick Family Origin:
The Football manager holds German nationality. This is because Ralf Rangnick’s parents had him in Backnang, a town in Germany.
Tracing down to his origin, research has it that his Father (Dietrich Rangnick), and Mother (Erika Rangnick) ARE NOT from Germany.
Now the question…
Which countries do the football manager’s parents come from?
Ralf Rangnick Father’s Origin:
First, his Dad’s family root is traced to Königsberg. According to our best friend, Google, Königsberg used to be the name for the historic Prussian city that is now called Kaliningrad, Russia.
This map explains Ralf Rangnick’s Father’s origin. He is from Königsberg (now Kaliningrad), a Russian owned country.
As observed in the map above, people often tag Kaliningrad as Russia’s forgotten province. The country is squeezed in between Poland and Lithuania – around the Baltic Sea.
Ralf Rangnick’s father hails from a small Russian province now known as Kaliningrad, which is completely separated from the rest of Russia. This area was once part of East Prussia and Germany until the map of Europe was redrawn after World War II.
Ralf Rangnick Mother’s Origin:
The woman who gave birth to the Manchester United interim manager is from Breslau. In case you are not aware, Polish authorities renamed this city to Wroclaw in order to wipe out sad stories it had from World War II.
Wrocław, as seen here, is a city in southwest Poland.
Ralf Rangnick’s Mother is from Breslau, now known as Wrocław, a South-west Poland city.
Ralf Rangnick Education:
The Man United Interim manager has a sound educational background. He went to school – up to the University.
Ralf Rangnick, at the tertiary level, began a Bachelor’s degree in English and physical education – precisely at Stuttgart University.
Before attending Stuttgart University, Rangnick had an earlier education at Max Born Gymnasium.
This is a school in his German hometown of Backnang. The year 1977 was when he left high school to continue his education at the University.
To improve his knowledge of mastering the English language, Ralf Rangnick’s parents approved him to further his studies in England.
Upon arriving, he settled on the UK’s South Coast – where he enrolled at the University of Sussex, Brighton.
Ralf Rangnick, while studying in England, fell in love with the beautiful game of football.
He started out by playing English non-league football with a West Sussex team (Southwick). Please note that Ralf played there while attending the University of Sussex, Brighton.
Research also has it that the then-teenager, while at the University of Sussex, Brighton, agreed he would try out a professional career after his studies.
At that time, he was studying English and PE – the same course he did back then at Stuttgart University.
Ralf Rangnick Biography – Early Life as a Footballer:
As a university student, he began learning his football craft with England’s non-League Southwick.
Ralf really enjoyed the Sussex team, even though he wasn’t at the top of English football. The manager in his youth describes that period as ‘totally inspirational’.
Behold Ralf Rangnick’s Early Years as a Footballer at Southwick FC.
Ralf Rangnick Injury – The Sad Experience:
Getting so happy while playing football with Southwick only happened for a short time. Pains followed next, only after a few matches.
Did you know?… As a player, Ralf Rangnick broke three ribs. He also had a punctured lung – while playing for England’s non-league Sussex team.
Sadly, that unfortunate day happened while having his third appearance with Southwick. Rangnick suffered broken ribs and punctured lungs against Eastbourne Town, an English football club in Eastbourne, East Sussex.
With two battered broken ribs and a punctured lung, poor Ralf stayed away from football. Not for a few weeks, BUT months. Research has it that he never played football for a whole three months.
Ralf Rangnick was in his early 20s when the injury occurred. That injury made him see football differently in England.
A few months later, the poor boy decided he was done with England football. He left England for Germany, where he continued his football.
Early Life with German Football:
Returning to the country of his birth, Rangnick joined VfR Heilbronn, where he played in the Baden-Württemberg Oberliga. This is a football league in the German state of Baden-Württemberg.
Similar to the Life of Chelsea FC Manager Graham Potter, Ralf Rangnick’s playing career was more with the lower leagues – and it was nothing to write home about.
In the year 1982, he got transferred to another small club, known as Ulm, where he played at a low level.
Miracle in the Last Days as a Footballer:
After many uneventful careers with lower German teams, young Ralf Rangnick decided to plan his life around surviving without playing football.
He began learning how to coach in a unique way. At age 25, Ralf knew a lot more about coaching than many of his older peers.
To put money into his pockets, he combined both learning football coaching with playing for a small team called FC Viktoria Backnang. While multi-tasking, both coaching and playing football for the team, a big miracle happened.
That year (1983), when Ralf Rangnick was only 25, his coaching knowledge had begun to spread around his town.
A big German top club, VfB Stuttgart, noticed him for his strategic coaching talents. The club didn’t hesitate to employ Ralf Rangnick as their player-coach.
Truth be told, there were no interesting, exciting events or trophies to mark Ralf Rangnick’s playing career days. Getting the VfB Stuttgart job was the biggest achievement in the life of the then 25-year-old German.
Ralf Rangnick Biography – Early Life as a Manager:
His coaching career began in his hometown, Viktoria Backnang. Then, a 25-year-old Ralf was still strong to play as well as coach.
From VfB Stuttgart II, he went to TSV Lippoldsweiler – where he marked the end of his old habit of playing and coaching – all at the same time.
Concentrating only on coaching, he applied and got a job as the head coach at SC Korb. Ralf remained there for two seasons before departing to VfB Stuttgart.
He stayed at VFB for four seasons – where he pushed their Under 19 and senior team to football glory.
This is the Professor – In his Early Days as a Coach.
The Rise of Ralf Rangnick:
The German, during his early years as a coach, did extraordinary things. One of which was making public a football tactic during a ZDF SportsStudio TV broadcast in December 1998.
People said it was so rare for a man of his age to have that sort of knowledge.
That broadcast of his tactics changed the lives of many football coaches in Germany. As a way of honouring him, Rangnick became known as the “professor”.
This was a nickname used to jeer him, which then became popular as a name that shows people’s respect for him.
Ralf Rangnick Gegenpressing Story:
This was the main invention that blew the minds of many aspiring and current coaches in German football.
Rangnick invented Gengenpressing as a football tactic. Here, when players lose the ball, they fight to get it back rather than falling back and regrouping. The explanation goes deeper.
With his latest invention, Ralf Rangnick became known all over Germany as the Godfather of Gegenpressing.
Again, he became an influence to more top and aspiring coaches like Thomas Tuchel, Ralph Hasenhüttl, Julian Nagelsmann, Roger Schmidt, etc.
Among all these coaches, one man – by the name of Jürgen Klopp – used the popular modern playing style (Gengenpressing) to enrich himself in football.
Back then, and even to date, Klopp doesn’t hide the fact that Ralf Rangnick is his coaching idol.
Truth be told, Ralf Rangnick has been an Idol to Jurgen Klopp – dating back in years.
This video shows how Ralf Rangnick’s Gengenpressing helped Jurgen Klopp and other Managers to become successful in Football management.
The Bundesliga Popularity:
Gengenpressing usage flourished during his German top-tier coaching years with Stuttgart, Hannover 96, Schalke 04 and 1899 Hoffenheim.
Rangnick used it the most in 2011 with Schalke 04, where he helped them reach their first UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Did you know?… Ralf Rangnick defeated Champions League holders (Jose Mourinho‘s Inter Milan – after he left them) on a 7–3 aggregate.
At last, his Gengenpressing was humbled by one man. He is the United Legendary manager – Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson CBE.
This is Ralf Rangnick, showing respect to Sir Alex Ferguson, a man who humbled his Gengenpressing.
The RedBull Success Story:
The top tactician wasn’t the type who preferred going to a big German club with the aim of packing trophies. He concentrated on helping small teams reach the peak of history.
One of those teams is RB Leipzig. Ralf helped the German club expand into European football.
It all started in February 2015 when Ralf Rangnick was accepted to coach at RB Leipzig for the 2015–16 season.
His Gengenpressing philosophy helped them secure promotion to the Bundesliga, quality for the Champions League, and reach the DFB-Pokal final.
This is how Ralf Rangnick motivates his players. He shouts and then uses Gengenpressing for victories.
It wasn’t only at Leipzig that Rangnick made his name. He served as a director of football for Red Bull Salzburg.
Ralf was the powerful voice behind the recruitment of top stars and other unproven players who have now made their names.
The Manchester United Clarion Call:
Following the humbling 5-0 defeat in the hands of Jurgen Klopp and another Watford defeat through the hands of Emmanuel Denis, the Red Devils finally sacked Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer. Man United went on a search for an interim manager that’ll bring some sanity to the club.
On 29 November 2021, the club said in a statement that they had appointed Ralf Rangnick as their interim manager. Research has it that Richard Arnold (CEO of United) was behind his appointment with the club.
That news of hiring the Godfather of Gengenpressing sent shock waves across England. The likes of Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel were touched the most.
At the time of writing Ralf Rangnick’s Biography, he is currently waiting for his work permit so he can resume his job at United managerial job.
And a further two-year consulting role. No doubt, his presence in the United means hope. The rest, as we say of his Bio, is now history.
About Gabriele Lamm – Ralf Rangnick Wife:
The football coach began dating the woman he was to marry – at the age of 17. This lady is Gabriele Lamm, popularly known as Gaby.
She later became Ralf Rangnick’s Wife. Research has it that both lovers were married for over 28 years before their separation.
Meet Gabriele Lamm. She is Ralf Rangnick Wife (now separated).
Based on findings, Gabriele Lamm and Ralf Rangnick kept their separation for more than a year (15 months) before making it public. In his words,
Gaby and I have gone separate ways. But everything is fine between the two of us.
Sometimes, Life situations change for people.
Even though we now each lead our separate lives, we will remain close.
Ralf Rangnick’s Children:
The marriage between the football manager and his wife, Gabriele Lamm, is blessed with children.
Ralf Rangnick has two sons with no daughter. His boys (as seen here) go by the names David Rangnick and Kevin Rangnick.
Meet Ralf Rangnick’s Children – David and Kevin.
About David Rangnick:
He is the first son of Ralf and Gabriele. David followed in his Dad’s footsteps by venturing into a football career.
Research has it that he played for a number of small German clubs before deciding to retire in July 2017.
About Kevin Rangnick:
The second son of Ralf and Gabriele followed the same path as his older brother, David. He played his football with SG Sonnenhof ll and with Backnang before finding himself without a club.
Personal Life:
Many have asked… What does the manager do away from the pitch? We found the answer to the question.
When Ralf Rangnick is not busy with his club and players, he does create time to deliver coaching lectures. Watch the Professor speak and be inspired.
On a more personal note, there are some things that characterize the German football manager.
First, he can easily give up on his job each time he faces burnout or mental illness. This happened in 2011 when he was the boss of the Leipzig soccer project.
Ralf Rangnick Profile as an 18-Year-old:
While researching his Biography, we found an information card (below) that explains his person. Let’s use this table to break down Ralf Rangnick’s personality Facts from his info card.
Ralf Rangnick Lifestyle:
This section of our Biography explains the way the German manager lives his life. Also, the things he spends his money on. Now, let’s begin.
Ralf Rangnick Car:
The German Manager is really not into driving big vehicles. Ralf Rangnick prefers his Vespa. He loves it because it is economical, can move through narrow streets and doesn’t need parking space.
Ralf Rangnick Vespa gives him an excellent way to slip through cars. He really appreciates his mode of transportation.
For the Legendary Manager, the idea of using a Vespa came when he had trouble driving through cars around his old family home in Backnang.
He sought an excellent way to slip through cars by adopting two options – a Vespa and a Bicycle.
If he isn’t driving a Vespa, then it moves on his Bike. The Professor is a Simple and Down-to-Earth.
Ralf Rangnick’s Lifestyle clearly shows he is an antidote to having a high automobile budget. Yes, it should not surprise Manchester United fans to see their coach drive either his Vespa or bicycle to training and on match days.
Ralf Rangnick Family Life:
The Professor has come a long way, and we tie the origin of his success to his parents – Dietrich and Erika. This section of Ralf Rangnick’s Biography discusses more about them. Without further ado, let’s tell you a bit about the head of the family.
About Ralf Rangnick Father:
Dietrich of what his son has achieved in both life and football in general. In recent years, he hasn’t gotten the best of health.
German website Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung reported in 2010 that Dietrich was terribly sick and was rushed to intensive care at a University clinic.
Ralf Rangnick’s Dad medical emergency happened in Heidelberg shortly after Christmas of 2010.
He developed complications from an initial inguinal hernia operation. While at the University Hospital, Dietrich Rangnick fought for survival for weeks.
The health of Ralf’s Dad kept him destabilized and totally away from football. He spent most of his nights at the hospital, where he stayed by his Dad’s side.
Thankfully, Dietrich recovered, and the doctors cleared him to go home after eleven weeks.
About Ralf Rangnick Mother:
Erika, the woman who gave birth to him, would forever remain his walking miracle. In the process of taking care of her while she was sick, Ralf found his calling.
These days, there exists no documentation about Ralf Rangnick’s Mum. It is likely she is no longer with us.
Ralf Rangnick Siblings:
The Godfather of German football management appears to be the only child of his parents – Erika and Dietrich.
In the course of this research, we didn’t lay our hand on articles that identify anyone as Ralf Rangnick’s brother or sister.
Ralf Rangnick Relatives:
Before World War II, the manager had extended family members who lived together in Königsberg and Breslau – the birthplaces and origins of his Dad and Mum.
Hence, it is likely that Ralf Rangnick’s relatives are still there, including in Germany.
Ralf Rangnick Untold Facts:
Rounding up this Biography of the professor, we’ll use this section to unveil more truths about him. Now let’s proceed.
Ralf Rangnick Trophies:
His coaching career has brought in many honours across various levels. This is a table of the seven trophies Ralf Rangnick has won throughout his managerial career.
Breakdown of Ralf Rangnick Manchester United Salary:
The Red Devils pay him approximately £8million-a-year. This is Ralf Rangnick’s salary breakdown with Manchester United.
In England, the average person living in Manchester would need to work for 246 weeks (4.7 years) to make Ralf Rangnick’s weekly Red Devil salary.
Ralf Rangnick Religion:
The Football manager is most likely to be a Christian. Königsberg and Breslau – where Ralf Rangnick’s parents come from, have predominantly Catholic Christian populations. So, he is also likely to be a Roman Catholic.
Conclusion:
Rangnick was born and raised in Backnang by his parents, Dietrich and Erika Rangnick. As a child, he often got sick and suffered from a fear of failure and insomnia.
This happened at the time he took care of his sick mother, a woman who had a sad history with World War II.
Back then, when his Dad wasn’t at home, Ralf took up the responsibility – as head of his family.
Getting matured through that, as well as looking after his Mum’s health made him sensitive in dealing with people’s problems. This he applies to football management today.
The story of Ralf Rangnick’s career began in England, where he studied at the University of Sussex, Brighton.
Starting with the English non-league, he then went on to play for lower-division clubs in Germany before ending a career that was nothing to write home about.
As a manager, Rangnick achieved lots of success – especially in football tactics. The World credit him for the development of a special and rare coaching tactic called Gegenpressing.
This invention has made him become the godfather of modern German Football.
Truth be told, many football fans think that Ralf Rangnick’s arrival is a response to Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea revolution. Manchester United needs a manager that will finally inject success in England’s most beloved club, and Ed Woodward always gets his man.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read the Biography of Ralf Rangnick. We have shared the story of Austria’s football manager, a soccer leader who takes pride in having big talents in his team for the upcoming Euro 2024. Among these are notable names like David Alaba from Real Madrid, Konrad Laimer from Bayern Munich, and Junior Adamu.
We care about accuracy and fairness while delivering the biographies of Football Managers. Kindly reach out to us if you notice anything that doesn’t look right in this memoir. Stay tuned for more Managerial football stories from us. Our article on Vincenzo Montella and Luciano Spalletti will interest you.
