Lotte Müller turns 70: A life between fame and political shadows

Lotte Müller turns 70: A life between fame and political shadows

Dresden.This Friday marks a special moment for Matthias “Lotte” Müller, who is celebrating his 70th birthday. The former GDR selection player not only kept his sporting achievements in mind, but also still maintains his competitive weight today. He enjoys retirement life with his wife Andrea and continues to play football actively by going on tour with the traditional Eastern football team. Matthias “Atze” Döschner, the team boss, paid tribute to Müller and noted that there is rarely a footballer as humble and talented as him.

Müller's career began in 1969 at Dynamo Dresden after previously playing at BSG Empor Tabak and FSV Lok Dresden. His versatility, which allowed him to be used in different positions, was both an advantage and a disadvantage, as he initially did not have a permanent place in the team. Nevertheless, his time at Dynamo was successful, with three championship titles as well as one cup victory and a total of 22 European Cup games.

Knew about escape plans, but didn't reveal anything

His career took a dramatic turn on January 24, 1981, shortly before a planned trip to South America with the national team. Müller and his club colleagues were arrested by state security in Berlin. While they knew about a teammate's escape plans, they had not betrayed him, which led to their carrier pigeon skills: Müller and Kotte were expelled from SG Dynamo and banned from competitive football for life, while their teammate had to serve a prison sentence.

After reunification, Müller had another opportunity to play as a professional. At the age of almost 37, he even traveled to Florida for a training camp with Tennis Borussia Berlin. In his Stasi file he found the names of eight former teammates, which touched him deeply.

In 2001, Müller was made an honorary member of the Dynamo sports community. His coaching career took him extensively throughout the region, to clubs such as Dresdner SC, Neugersdorf and Radebeuler BC, where he always tried to improve the teams and promote talent. He is currently assistant coach of the U16 and enjoys working with young players, which he enjoys.

Dynamo president speaks of “unbelievable ideological constraints”

The integration of Matthias Müller into the coaching staff at Dynamo is very much appreciated by the club management. President Holger Scholze recently expressed his regret over the circumstances under which Müller had to end his active career. He emphasized how valuable it is that Müller is now active in promoting young talent in order to support future generations and advance their development. “This has brought us full circle,” remarked Müller himself upon returning to his old home.

A look at Müller's coaching career shows that he was always prepared to make great efforts. He took over as coach in Bischofswerda in 2008 at a time when the team was struggling with relegation from the district league. Thanks to hard work and a clear plan, the team was able to not only survive, but also rise to the point of playing in the national league, with an impressive point total of over 100 goals in one season.

With every year the respect for Matthias “Lotte” Müller grows. He not only embodies the great athlete he was, but also the humanity that defines him. “Lotte” Müller is a living part of football history in Germany, and his commitment to the sport continues to be valued and admired.