Ernst Middendorp has been ‘the man the media love to hate’ since his appointment as Arminia Bielefeld coach in the Two Bundesliga on 19 April 1988.

Throughout Middendorp’s next thirty-four years as a globetrotting soccer coach, journalists, pundits and television presenters have shared falsehoods, criticisms and allegations about this German South African and his career.

Of course, criticism comes with the territory of being a soccer coach, but the flak hurled at Middendorp has been far more constant and harsher compared to most others in the industry.  

The book covers how ‘Power-Ernst’ had already ruined his relationship with the media in Germany by the time an encounter with journalist Marcel Reif led to him changing how he dealt with reporters.

In South Africa, journalists jostle for interviews with Middendorp, yet never miss an opportunity to take a swipe at his personality, history, playing philosophy, or coaching style. What arguably proves that Middendorp is the man the media love to hate are the times when the media criticised people who praise him.

Middendorp’s book provides an analysis of how he is criticised in comparison to other coaches. Moreover, in the book, Middendorp as well as coaches and players he has worked with respond to some of the allegations – such as:

‘Less than four months ago, manager Ernst Middendorp was punch-drunk on Bielefeld’s best start to a Bundesliga season in 25 years.’ – The Guardian journalist Raphael Honigstein wrote in an article entitled ‘Arminia send the Westphalian Napoleon into exile’, dated 10 December 2007.

‘Middendorp’s angry body language and foul mood – picking fights with journalists in Facebook messages…’ TimesLive journalist Marc Strydom wrote in an article entitled ‘Why Middendorp only has himself to blame for Chiefs’ failure to win title’, dated 7 September 2020.