Béla Guttmann

Béla Guttmann, born on March 13, 1900, in Budapest, Austria-Hungary, was a remarkable figure in the world of football, both as a player and a coach. A Jewish athlete, he faced unimaginable adversity during the Holocaust, having been deported to a Nazi slave labor camp where he endured torture but ultimately survived. Before the war, Guttmann showcased his talent as a midfielder for clubs such as MTK Hungária and Hakoah Vienna, as well as several teams in the United States. He also represented the Hungary national team, participating in the 1924 Olympic Games.

After the war, Guttmann's coaching career spanned over four decades and ten countries, from 1933 to 1974. He achieved significant success, winning ten national championships and two consecutive European Cups with Benfica. His coaching journey included stints with the national teams of Hungary and Austria, and he also managed clubs in the Netherlands, Italy, Brazil, Uruguay, and Portugal. Guttmann is perhaps best remembered for his time at Benfica, where he led the team to European glory in 1961 and 1962.

Innovative in his approach, Guttmann was a pioneer of the 4–2–4 formation, collaborating with fellow Hungarian coaches Márton Bukovi and Gusztáv Sebes. He played a crucial role in the development of young talents, notably mentoring the legendary Eusébio at Benfica. Throughout his career, Guttmann was known for his controversial nature, often moving between clubs and rarely staying longer than two seasons. He famously remarked, 'the third season is fatal,' a sentiment that reflected his tumultuous coaching career.

His time at AC Milan ended abruptly while the team was at the top of Serie A, and he left Benfica under contentious circumstances after a pay dispute, famously leaving behind a 'curse.' Guttmann's legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and a profound impact on the game of football.