Dietmar Constantini is Dead: Mourning for Former ÖFB Team Manager

The former Austrian football team coach Dietmar Constantini passed away on Wednesday night after a long illness at the age of 69. This was reported by the "Tiroler Tageszeitung" and other media, there was no confirmation from the Austrian Football Association yet.

Constantini Passed Away After Long Illness

Constantini earned the reputation of a "firefighter" - he stepped in when there was a fire on the roof and was practically always successful with his down-to-earth and jovial manner. He was in office for at least a full season at only two of seven clubs (Admira Wacker and FC Tirol).

With the national team, Constantini sat on the bench as head coach in 1991 after the separation from Alfred Riedl during the 1:2 against Northern Ireland and the 0:2 against Yugoslavia. A year later, he acted as interim team coach again after the death of Ernst Happel, this time during the 0:0 in Germany. In March 2009, the Tyrolean took over the country's highest coaching position from Karel Brückner and stayed until September 2011, he left the association after seven victories, three draws and 13 defeats. Constantini debuted future national team greats such as David Alaba, Aleksandar Dragovic and Julian Baumgartlinger.

Alaba Said Goodbye on Instagram

"You helped me make my debut for our country and were always there for me. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you for everything and rest in peace, coach", wrote the now Real star Alaba on Instagram. Federal President Alexander van der Bellen also emphasized the dedication to young players. "Dietmar 'Didi' Constantini's passion for football has shaped generations of players and fans. Constantini recognized and promoted talents, he conveyed his burning enthusiasm for the sport to the young players and always saw challenges as an opportunity to grow with the team", said the head of state on X.

Public Announcement of Dementia Illness in 2019

After his commitment as a team manager, Constantini dedicated himself to his children's football camps, he was no longer active in the professional business. As a player, Constantini made 198 Bundesliga appearances, with Wacker Innsbruck he became champion in 1977 and cup winner in 1978.

In September 2019, Constantini's family made his dementia illness public. A year later, his daughter Johanna, a psychologist, published a book titled "Offside", in which she reported on dealing with her father's illness. In December 2021, the then 66-year-old received the merit cross of his hometown Innsbruck. By this time, Constantini had already withdrawn from the public eye.

Mourning at Football Clubs

Vienna Austria mourned their former coach. "Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace," wrote the "Violets" on X. FC Wacker Innsbruck and SK Rapid also expressed their condolences. At the Viennese club, Constantini was assistant to Hans Krankl for two seasons. "He was not only a successful football coach, but also a very likable person who has now left us far too early," said Rapid President Alexander Wrabetz.

The ÖFB wrote: "Rest in peace, Didi! Thank you for everything you have done for Austrian football." Condolences also came from LASK. "We wish the family a lot of strength during this difficult time," the Linzers shared.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.