Niko Kovac named Coach of the Year

Kovac was all smiles as he accepted the accolade in Hamburg on Monday evening. After acknowledging the applause of the assembled guests, the former Eagles coach conceded that he could not have won the award without the help of his former colleagues. “I’m standing here on behalf of many people,” he said. “I didn’t earn this award by myself. It also belongs to my coaching staff, who put in so much effort, and the players, who did everything to achieve success. I thank you all.”

Eintracht’s victory over Bayern Munich - Kovac’s current employers - in the final of the 2018 DFB Cup was “the biggest upset of the season”, according to the award panel. The 46-year-old’s achievements during his final season in Frankfurt are testament to what can be achieved through hard work.