Rinus Michels - Personality and Legacy

Personality and Legacy

Michels became known as a person who was keen on his money and did not want to spend much of it. A common joke in the Ajax changing rooms in these days was: "Does anybody actually know the color of Michels' wallet?". His IQ was high and during foreign trips he always brought a book with him, which he wanted to have read completely before coming home. He was known as someone who did not need anybody and who felt happy on his own, but sometimes he joined his team mates and share their enthusiastic friendships. At the celebrations of Ajax' 50th birthday in 1950 he was the organizer of the humoristic show that was held and during traditional parties he and his friend Hans Boskamp climbed up the stages to sing some duets. After matches he was always singing in the showers of the changing rooms as well, even when the match was lost.

Michels was also known as a practical joker. At a hotel he once borrowed a fur coat of a lady and pretended to be a lady to his team mates. During a training session in Lille the players went fishing and Michels, who did not enjoy himself, jumped into the water.

Due to his authoritarian style as coach Rinus Michels was called The General. He said "Professional football is something like war. Whoever behaves too properly is lost." This has often been misquoted in the form "Football is war". Michels felt the quote was taken out of context as he did not intend to equate war with football. Michels was named coach of the century by FIFA in 1999.

The Rinus Michels Award, which rewards the best managers in Dutch football, is named in his honour.