# Josef Hickersberger

> Austrian footballer and manager

**Wikidata**: [Q84323](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q84323)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josef_Hickersberger)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/josef-hickersberger

## Summary
Josef Hickersberger is an Austrian footballer and manager who played as a midfielder and later became a prominent football coach. He represented Austria internationally and managed the national team during two separate periods.

## Biography
- Born: April 27, 1948
- Nationality: Austrian
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Professional football career as player and manager
- Employer(s): Various Austrian and international football clubs; Austrian national team (as player and manager)
- Field(s): Association football (soccer)

## Contributions
Josef Hickersberger contributed to Austrian football as both a player and manager. As a player, he represented Austria in international competitions, including the 1978 FIFA World Cup. His playing career spanned several Austrian clubs, where he established himself as a reliable midfielder. As a manager, he led the Austrian national team during two separate tenures (1988-1992 and 2006-2008), guiding the team through qualification campaigns and international tournaments. He also managed various club teams in Austria and abroad, including stints in the Middle East, contributing to the development of football in those regions.

## FAQs
Where was Josef Hickersberger born?
Josef Hickersberger was born on April 27, 1948, in Austria.

What position did Josef Hickersberger play?
Josef Hickersberger played as a midfielder during his professional football career.

Which national team did Josef Hickersberger manage?
Josef Hickersberger managed the Austrian national football team during two separate periods: 1988-1992 and 2006-2008.

Did Josef Hickersberger play in any World Cups?
Yes, Josef Hickersberger represented Austria in the 1978 FIFA World Cup as a player.

What is Josef Hickersberger known for in Austrian football?
Josef Hickersberger is known for his dual career as both a player and manager for the Austrian national team, as well as his extensive club management career across Europe and the Middle East.

## Why They Matter
Josef Hickersberger matters in Austrian football history as one of the few individuals to have represented the national team as both a player and manager. His long-term involvement in football at multiple levels has contributed to the development of the sport in Austria and beyond. His international experience as a manager, particularly in the Middle East, has helped spread Austrian football knowledge and expertise globally. His leadership of the national team during crucial periods has shaped Austrian football's trajectory in international competitions.

## Notable For
- Representing Austria in the 1978 FIFA World Cup as a player
- Managing the Austrian national team twice (1988-1992 and 2006-2008)
- Having a dual career as both player and manager for the national team
- Extensive club management career across Austria and international markets
- Contributing to football development in the Middle East through management roles

## Body
### Early Life and Playing Career
Josef Hickersberger was born on April 27, 1948, in Austria. He began his professional football career as a midfielder, playing for various Austrian clubs. His technical skills and tactical understanding of the game established him as a reliable player in the Austrian football league system.

### International Playing Career
Hickersberger represented Austria in international competitions, most notably participating in the 1978 FIFA World Cup held in Argentina. This tournament represented the pinnacle of his playing career, where he competed against some of the world's best players on football's biggest stage.

### Transition to Management
After retiring as a player, Hickersberger transitioned into football management, leveraging his playing experience to develop coaching skills. His understanding of the game from a player's perspective informed his managerial approach, focusing on tactical discipline and team organization.

### National Team Management
Hickersberger's most significant managerial role came with the Austrian national team, which he managed during two separate periods. His first tenure lasted from 1988 to 1992, during which he worked to rebuild and restructure the national team setup. He returned for a second spell from 2006 to 2008, bringing his experience to guide the team through another phase of development.

### Club Management Career
Beyond his national team duties, Hickersberger managed several club teams throughout his career. His club management experience extended beyond Austria, including significant periods working in the Middle East. This international experience broadened his tactical knowledge and exposed him to different footballing cultures and approaches.

### Football Philosophy and Legacy
Throughout his career, Hickersberger emphasized tactical discipline and structured team play. His dual experience as both player and manager for the national team provided him with unique insights into Austrian football's strengths and challenges. His contributions have helped shape the development of football in Austria and have influenced subsequent generations of Austrian players and coaches.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Transfermarkt
3. FBref
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013