On April 5, 2019, an amazing film started showing. Titled “The Keeper”, the film, which features a goalkeeper as the main character, tells the story of a heroic figure named Bert Trautmann. The film, which tells the story of a goalkeeper with extraordinary action on the field, was directed by Marcus Rosenmueller.
In the film, Trautmann’s entire journey is narrated, where German actor, David Kross, is cast as the legendary goalkeeper. Trautman had quite a unique and extraordinary journey. He was born in Germany on October 22, 1923 or during the Nazi regime led by Adolf Hitler. He lives with his father, who works in a fertilizer factory near the pier, and his mother, Frieda. The gloomy economic climate of the early 1930s forced Trautmann to sell their house, and move into an apartment block in the working-class area of Gropelingen, at least until 1941. As a child, he had spent much of his time playing games, including football.
Raised during times of strife in Germany, Trautmann joined the Luftwaffe early in the Second World War, where he served as a paratrooper. He fought on the Eastern Front for three years, before finally being transferred to the Western Front. While betting his life on the whistling of bullets and bombs, Trautmann won a number of merit stars. Trautmann was also listed as a member of the Nazi squad’s bomb disposal team.
But at the end of the war, he was captured by the British and held in a prisoner of war camp at Ashton-in-Makerfield, Lancashire. Read also: Thomas Gravesen and the story of his madness as a player. After his release in 1948, he joined a local football club called St Helens Town. From the beginning of his career, he has been in goal. His penchant for parrying all attacks ended in an extraordinary way. Trautmann is known as a reliable goalkeeper and began to be the talk of the people around him. St Helens really made Trautmann a figure who had an extraordinary reputation as a goalkeeper. In 1949, he was then attracted by Manchester City. At that time, The Citizen appeared in the premier division competition.
Playing well at Manchester City, Trautmann got a long-term contract. There he became a star as well as an idol. In fact, he became the first sportsman to collaborate with Adidas. Because according to the news circulating, Trautmann has a good relationship with the founder of the brand, Adi Dassler. However, there was controversy from the fans. Early in his arrival, or before he became an idol, Trautmann received rejection from fans, following his status as a Nazi soldier. In addition, he is also considered to have taken the main place of their legendary goalkeeper, Frank Swift. In the opinion of City fans, Trautmann is not at all worthy of replacing the legend, even though Frank Swift is known to have decided to retire.
Trautmann made his first team debut on 19 November 1949 against Bolton Wanderers. After the match, the fans began to be amazed by Trautmann’s talent. As a former Nazi combat squad, Trautmann had above average physical strength when he went down as a professional goalkeeper.
The 1950s went on to be one of the most historic for Trautmann. At that time, City had to travel to London to fight Fulham. City’s game against Fulham in January 1950 was Trautmann’s first visit to London. The match received widespread media attention, as most of the British press were based there. Several prominent sports writers watched Trautmann in action for the first time.
Trautmann was really the target of the fans there. Because, there is an area there that had become a colony. The people there shouted loudly against Trautmann. They kept shouting “Nazi” in his presence. However, Trautmann’s performance remained impressive. He performed well in the match and received a standing ovation from The Citizen’s fans.
Unfortunately in that season, Trautmann’s performances failed to bring City to survive in the top competition, following poor performances by other players. As a result at the end of the season, City fell in rank 21 of the 22 clubs that competed. From 42 matches, Manchester City have only been able to win 8 times, draw 13 times, and swallow 21 defeats. Goal City also conceded 68 times during those 42 matches.
But City only lasted for one season to get back to the highest caste. They made it to the top flight, with Trautmann starting to set records as a legend. In 1952, Trautmann’s fame began to spread throughout the world. Germany became the country to see the potential of the player. At that time, Schalke 04 intended to bring Trautmann, by providing a fairly large offer. However, City refused on the pretext that they still desperately need Trautmann’s services.
Sure enough, City’s decision to keep Trautmann sweet fruit. The goalkeeper continues to appear consistent until he continues to be a mainstay in every season. In the mid-1950s, the manager of Manchester City, Les McDowall, introduced a new tactical system by using the center forward as the main character. In this case, Trautmann’s job is to give the ball right at the attacker at close range. That strategy worked. The reason, Trautmann managed to do his job well after making a long throw that is so accurate. In addition, his kick also managed to land right in the main attacker’s area to be immediately converted into a goal.
Assisted by the wing attackers, Trautmann’s mature passes often lead to victory. Trautmann’s glory continues to be. He is widely known, especially after his most historic appearance in the journey of a true goalkeeper. Trautmann himself is known as a goalkeeper who is good at saving penalty kicks. At least, he managed to save 60% of the 12 passes made by opposing players. In fact, his majesty under the bar was recognized by a coach of the caliber of Matt Busby.
One match Trautmann will always remember is when he was still playing with a broken neck. Four days after the 1956 FA Cup final took place, Bert Trautmann visited Manchester Royal Infirmary due to persistent neck pain. There, a doctor referred him for an X-ray examination and the results showed a dislocation of five vertebrae, of which the second was broken into two parts. According to the doctor, even a slight shock could cost Trautman his life.
The 1955/56 season was one of the best for Manchester City. City’s glory was also complemented by a moment where Trautmann was named the best player of the season, as well as becoming the first goalkeeper to win the award. One match that took place on May 5, 1956, at Wembley Stadium, made Trautmann’s name continue to be buzzed. Manchester City are attending their second FA Cup final in succession. The year before, they had the same atmosphere, only they lost 3-1 to Newcastle United.
As for that year, Birmingham were the favourites, who the media hailed as the champions as they conceded only two goals and scored eighteen goals en route to the final of England’s grand tournament. But City was able to turn things around. Is Trautmann. In the remaining 17 minutes, Birmingham gave birth to a chance when Murphy was able to pass Dave Ewing. Dealing with Trautmann, Murphy lost quickly so the ball was secured by the goalkeeper before he kicked it. Unfortunately for Trautmann, Murphy’s sprinting right knee hit his neck hard. Despite having suffered a broken neck, Trautmann still stood firmly in the crossbar. His toughness paid off sweetly, City successfully won 3-1 and won the title.
After the match, while draping the medal, Trautmann realized that his neck was in pain. He was rushed to the hospital, after being scanned it was found that five parts of Trautmann’s neck muscles were broken. Since then he is considered the most brutal footballer in history for being able to play with a broken neck. City’s victory at that time certainly could not be separated from Trautmann’s sacrifice. After that moment, he had to undergo rehabilitation for several months, even wearing a neck and back brace for a long time.
He is considered both a hero and a legend following a total of 545 games he played for City, over a 15-year period between 1949 and 1964. Having appeared for Wellington Town, Trautmann decided to retire and continue his career as a coach. Then in 2013. Manchester City have sad news. The German Football Federation (DFB) has confirmed the death of Bert Trautman at the age of 89. Trautmann had previously had two heart attacks. He breathed his last after having a heart attack for the third time.
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