This is a good article. Click here for more information.

Patrik Berger

From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
(Redirected from Patrick Berger)
Jump to: navigation, search

<templatestyles src="Module:Hatnote/styles.css"></templatestyles>

This article is about the Czech footballer. For Swedish musician, see Patrik Berger (record producer).

<templatestyles src="Module:Hatnote/styles.css"></templatestyles>

Not to be confused with Patrick Bürger.

<templatestyles src="Module:Infobox/styles.css"></templatestyles>

Patrik Berger
File:Berger, Patrik.jpg
Berger in 2007
Personal information
Date of birth (1973-11-10) 10 November 1973 (age 50)
Place of birth Prague, Czechoslovakia
Height Script error: No such module "person height".
Position(s) Left winger, Attacking midfielder
Youth career
1989–1991 Sparta Prague
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1991–1995 Slavia Prague 90 (24)
1995–1996 Borussia Dortmund 27 (4)
1996–2003 Liverpool 149 (28)
2003–2005 Portsmouth 52 (7)
2005–2008 Aston Villa 29 (2)
2006–2007 → Stoke City (loan) 7 (0)
2008–2010 Sparta Prague 23 (6)
Total 375 (71)
International career
1994 Czech Republic U21 1 (3)
1993 Czechoslovakia 2 (0)
1994–2001 Czech Republic 42 (18)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Patrik Berger (Czech pronunciation: [ˈpatrɪk ˈbɛrɡr̩]; born 10 November 1973) is a retired Czech footballer. He started his career in his own country with Slavia Prague and spent a season in Germany playing for Borussia Dortmund. He moved to England in 1996, where he spent seven years with Liverpool, winning six trophies in his time there. This was followed by spells at Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Stoke City. He spent the last two years of his career back in his native Czech Republic playing for Sparta Prague.

Internationally, Berger played in two major tournaments for the Czech Republic. He played an important part in his nation's Euro 1996 campaign, scoring in the final as the Czech Republic finished runners-up to Germany. He took a 17-month break from the national team between 1997 and 1998 after a dispute with manager Dušan Uhrin, returning to the setup following Uhrin's departure from the post. His second and final major tournament was Euro 2000, but due to suspension and his country's early exit, he only played one game. He retired from the national team in 2002 at the age of 28 with a total of 44 senior international caps and 18 goals.

Capable of occupying midfield and forward positions, Berger became noted for his powerful strikes, surging runs, and strong left foot. Berger was beset with injuries throughout his career and received specialist treatment in the United States. He retired on 6 January 2010 due to knee injuries.

Personal life

Berger was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia. His uncle is the Czech footballer Jan Berger.[1] He married wife Jaroslava, and has two children, son Patrik and daughter Valentýnka.[2] He gained a British passport in 2001 after having spent five years playing club football in England.[3] This enabled him to play without needing a work permit,[3] which he had previously required due to the Premier League's rules on non-EU players.[4]

Club career

Prague and Dortmund

He began his footballing career as a youth player at Sparta Prague in 1989, securing a professional contract two years later with rivals Slavia Prague.[5] Establishing himself as a senior regular, Berger competed in Europe and earned selection for Czechoslovakia and, following its establishment, the Czech Republic.[5][6][7]

After 90 league games and 24 goals, Berger was purchased by Ottmar Hitzfeld's Borussia Dortmund in 1995 for a reported £500,000.[6] In August 1995 he played in the DFL-Supercup, as Dortmund beat Borussia Mönchengladbach to win the title.[8] While Dortmund went on to win the Bundesliga title in the 1995–96 season, Berger was frequently used as a substitute, making 12 of his 25 league appearances from the bench.[9] Hitzfeld preferred to employ Berger as a defensive midfielder as he considered him to be most suited to the role.[10]

Liverpool's interest in Berger was stimulated by the performances of the Czech Republic during Euro 1996, organised in England, where he scored a penalty in the final.[6] The club approached both Berger and Karel Poborský, who elected to transfer to Manchester United after the competition's conclusion.[11] Berger did accept Liverpool's contract offer and completed his transfer in August 1996 for £3.25 million.

Liverpool

Berger and his family settled in Southport, Merseyside, where they resided near retired players Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen.[12] Debuting as a substitute in a 2–1 home win against Southampton on 7 September 1996, Berger performed well in his first month with the club, endearing him to supporters and earning praise from colleagues.[5][13] In his second match, he replaced Stan Collymore as half time substitute, going on to score two goals in a 3–0 win against Leicester City.[14] A second double was registered against Chelsea in the latter's 5–1 defeat at Anfield, which he followed with a fifth goal in four games in a Cup Winners' Cup match against MYPA.[15] The series of displays were recognised in October 1996 with the FA's Player of the Month award for September.[16]

First-team opportunities became limited in Berger's second season. Despite scoring a hat-trick against Chelsea in October 1997,[17] he often found himself named as a substitute.[18] His dissatisfaction at manager Roy Evans placed his Liverpool career in jeopardy.[19] Evans criticised Berger's perceived indifference to teamwork and publicly expressed a willingness to sell after he refused to be used as a substitute against Bolton Wanderers in March 1998.[20] Berger was linked with a move away from Liverpool in May 1998, with Italian club A.S. Roma, the manager of which was his countryman Zdeněk Zeman, and Portuguese club Benfica both mentioned as possible destinations.[21] The appointment of Gérard Houllier as co-manager before the 1998–99 season and subsequent departure of Evans proved to be pivotal in Berger's decision to remain with the club.[19]

You know, the greatest day in my football life was the day I signed for Liverpool. I couldn’t believe it. When I was young in Czechoslovakia, we didn’t see much European football, but my father’s friend went to England and he watched Liverpool. When he came back, he gave me the programme, the ticket and a scarf. I still have them all.

When I moved to Southport to live, my neighbour was Kenny Dalglish. Alan Hansen lived around the corner. I met them, they were normal guys, but they were my heroes. To me, it’s the best club in the world and when I am finished playing and I’m telling my children about it I will be proud to say that for seven years I was a Liverpool player.
The Sunday Times, 8 February 2004.[12]

Playing regularly in his first season under Houllier's reign, Berger scored nine goals and improved as a player.[10] An injury sustained in a 4–3 defeat to Leeds United in November 2000 rendered Berger unavailable for much of the 2000–01 season and required specialist treatment in the United States from knee surgeon Richard Steadman.[5][22] By March 2001, Berger had recovered and he went on to feature in the final of both the UEFA Cup and the FA Cup, with Liverpool winning both trophies. In the 2001 FA Cup Final he provided the assist for Michael Owen to score the deciding goal against Arsenal.[5]

He appeared in the 2001 FA Charity Shield, coming on as a substitute as Liverpool won the competition.[23] He then underwent knee surgery in August 2001, ruling him out of the 2001 UEFA Super Cup.[24]

Recurring injuries between 2001 and 2003 continued to disrupt Berger's career and deprived him of a presence in the first team, resulting in his decision to leave Liverpool after the expiration of his contract following the conclusion of the 2002–03 season.[10][25] Berger had been confined to the bench for the duration of his final season when selected, limiting him to four appearances.[25] He left Liverpool, having scored 35 goals during his seven seasons with the club.[26]

Portsmouth

Newly promoted to the Premier League, Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp signed Berger on a free transfer.[25] Redknapp said of the deal: "Patrik's [sic] a quality player, free - and the type of player who'll bring good experience to Portsmouth. I had a bit of competition for him but he's looked round the area and is very happy to join us."[27] Berger made his first appearance for Portsmouth on the opening day against Aston Villa; he scored the club's second goal.[28] Berger scored the winning goal in Portsmouth's victory over his former club Liverpool in October 2003.[29] A month later, he set up the first and fourth Portsmouth goals and scored the fifth in Portsmouth's 6–1 win against Leeds United.[30] On Boxing Day 2003, Berger helped Portsmouth to a 2–0 win against Tottenham, scoring both goals of the game from free kicks, the first of which was scored from 35 yards (32 m).[31] Berger underwent an operation upon his knee in February 2004, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season.[32]

Berger started the 2004–05 season with note, scoring August's contender for Goal of the Season against Charlton Athletic.[33] His second goal of the campaign came in a 3–1 win away to Crystal Palace, striking from 25 yards (23 m).[34] October 2004 saw his final league goal for Portsmouth in a 2–2 away draw at Norwich, scoring a 25-yard free kick.[35]

The club endured a difficult end to the season, winning just once in a period of 12 matches, which prompted the appointment of Alain Perrin as Portsmouth's new manager.[36] Berger was one of a number of players including Steve Stone and Shaka Hislop whose contracts were due to expire in the summer.[37] Portsmouth successfully avoided relegation close to the end of the season, following a 2–0 loss away at Manchester City on 30 April.[38] In spite of Portsmouth having retained their Premier League status, Berger then joined Aston Villa on a two-year-deal, citing manager David O'Leary as the main reason for choosing Villa.[39]

Aston Villa

Berger was hampered by injury during his early Villa career, making few league appearances.[40] During the first part of his second season, he only played two matches under new manager Martin O'Neill. In November 2006 he was sent to Championship side Stoke City on loan until 4 January 2007,[41] following a fine of two weeks' wages for refusing to play in a reserve game.[42] During his time at Stoke, he started just one match and took part in a further six as a substitute.[42] Following his return from Stoke, Berger was commended by O'Neill on his fitness and on 7 April 2007, Berger started his first game for Villa since October 2005.[43] He marked this occasion by scoring a goal in a 2–1 victory against Blackburn Rovers.[43] Berger scored again on 5 May 2007 in the penultimate game of the season against Sheffield United.[44] On 28 May 2007, Berger agreed to sign a one-year contract extension with Aston Villa.[45]

Berger was injured in the pre-season of the 2007–08 Premier League, keeping him out of league matches until October 2007.[46] He then suffered a recurrence of the same injury and was ruled out for a further period of time.[46] On 6 May 2008, Berger was told he had played his last game for Aston Villa after urging captain Gareth Barry to move to Liverpool.[47] This came just days after manager Martin O'Neill claimed he was "desperate" to keep Barry following interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool.[48] At the end of his contract Berger was released by the club, having appeared in just 29 league matches in three seasons.[49]

Return to Prague

On 29 May 2008, Berger returned to Prague as a free agent, signing a two-year contract with boyhood club Sparta Prague,[50] also becoming captain of the club for the 2008–09 Gambrinus liga.[51] In November 2008, Berger scored a hat-trick against SK Kladno in a 5–0 Sparta victory.[52] Sparta went on to finish the season in second place, thus ensuring qualification for the following season's UEFA Champions League tournament. Berger was the club's top league goalscorer with six goals.[51]

During the 2009–10 season, Berger played just two league matches before undergoing more knee surgery.[53] On 6 January 2010 he announced his retirement after failing to recover from a ligament injury.[54]

Post-professional career

Berger continued playing football on an amateur basis in August 2010 for sixth-tier Czech Republic side Dolní Chabry.[55] At the age of 40 he was still playing for the side.[1]

International career

Berger represented the youth teams of Czechoslovakia from the under-15 level, working his way up through under-16, under-17 and under-18 between 1988 and 1991.[56] For these junior teams he had a record of a total of six goals in 49 appearances.[56] During this time he won the 1990 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship with the under-16 side, scoring in the final against Yugoslavia.[57]

Berger made his senior international debut on 23 March 1993 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier for Czechoslovakia against Cyprus, which ended 1–1. In October 1995 he scored the second goal in a must-win qualification match for Euro 1996 against Belarus, which the Czechs won 2–0.[58] In his first 12 international appearances, Berger totalled eight goals.[59]

Berger was part of the Czech Republic team who took part in Euro 1996, being singled out as the only player in the squad with the potential to become a "major international star".[59] In spite of this, Martin Frýdek was preferred to Berger in the starting lineup for the first match against Germany.[60] Berger went on to play in all of his nation's matches in the tournament, famously scoring in the final from the penalty spot to give the Czech Republic a 1–0 lead against Germany. However, the Czech Republic ultimately lost on the golden goal rule in extra time.[61]

Between 1997 and 1998, Berger boycotted the Czech national team due to a conflict with head coach Dušan Uhrin.[60] He returned to the national set-up after a 17-month absence following the appointment of Jozef Chovanec as Uhrin's replacement.[60] He made a notable return to the national team, scoring two goals from free kicks in a qualification match against Estonia.[62]

The next major international tournament Berger took part in was Euro 2000. Having been suspended for his nation's first two matches after being sent off in a qualifier against the Faroe Islands, Berger played just one match.[63] Berger announced his retirement from international football in March 2002 at the age of 28.[60] He finished his career having made a total of 44 appearances for national teams, including 42 for the Czech Republic and 2 for Czechoslovakia. He scored a total of 18 international goals, all for the Czech Republic.

Style of play

Berger played mainly as an attacking midfielder,[54] also being known as a winger.[64] He became noted for his powerful strikes, surging runs, and strong left foot.[6][10] Team-mate at Liverpool Steven Gerrard said of Berger that "he was the best left-footed striker of a ball I have seen".[65]

Career statistics

Club

[66]

Club performance League Cup League Cup Continental Total
Season Club League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Czechoslovakia League Czechoslovak Cup League Cup Continental Total
1991–92 Slavia Prague First League 20 3 — — — 20 3
1992–93 29 10 — — 2 0 31 10
Czech Republic League Czech Cup League Cup Europe Total
1993–94 Slavia Prague Gambrinus liga 12 4 — — 2 1 14 5
1994–95 29 7 — — 4 1 33 8
Germany League DFB-Pokal Other Europe Total
1995–96 Borussia Dortmund Bundesliga 27 4 3 0 — 6 0 36 4
England League FA Cup League Cup Europe Total
1996–97 Liverpool Premier League 23 6 2 0 3 1 6 2 34 9
1997–98 22 3 1 0 2 1 2 0 27 4
1998–99 32 7 2 0 1 0 6 2 41 9
1999–2000 34 9 1 0 2 0 — 37 9
2000–01 14 2 1 0 1 0 5 0 21 2
2001–02 21 1 1 0 — 8 0 30 1
2002–03 2 0 — 1 1 1 0 4 1
2003–04 Portsmouth Premier League 20 5 1 0 2 0 — 23 5
2004–05 32 3 2 0 3 0 — 37 3
2005–06 Aston Villa Premier League 8 0 — 1 0 — 9 0
2006–07 13 2 — 1 0 — 14 2
2006–07 Stoke City (loan) Championship 7 0 — — — 7 0
2007–08 Aston Villa Premier League 8 0 — 1 0 — 9 0
Czech Republic League Czech Cup League Cup Europe Total
2008–09 Sparta Prague Gambrinus liga 21 6 4 2 — 4 0 29 8
2009–10 2 0 — — 1 0 3 0
Total Czechoslovakia 49 13 — — 2 0 51 13
Czech Republic 64 17 4 2 — 11 2 79 21
Germany 27 4 3 0 — 6 0 36 4
England 236 38 11 0 18 3 28 4 293 45
Career total 376 72 18 2 18 3 47 6 459 83

International

Czechoslovakia national team
Year Apps Goals
1993 2 0
Total 2 0
Czech Republic national team
Year Apps Goals
1994 3 1
1995 7 7
1996 12 3
1997 2 1
1998 4 2
1999 7 3
2000 3 1
2001 4 0
Total 42 18

International goals

Scores and results list Czech Republic's goal tally first.[67]
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 6 September 1994 Bazaly, Ostrava  Malta 6–1 6–1 Euro 1996 qualifying
2. 8 March 1995 Stadion Za Lužánkami, Brno  Finland 1–0 4–1 Friendly
3. 2–0
4. 29 March 1995 Bazaly, Ostrava  Belarus 2–0 4–2 Euro 1996 qualifying
5. 3–1
6. 26 April 1995 Letná Stadium, Prague  Netherlands 3–1 3–1 Euro 1996 qualifying
7. 7 October 1995 Dinamo Stadium, Minsk  Belarus 2–0 2–0 Euro 1996 qualifying
8. 15 November 1995 Letná Stadium, Prague  Luxembourg 3–0 3–0 Euro 1996 qualifying
9. 30 June 1996 Wembley Stadium, London  Germany 1–0 1–2 Euro 1996
10. 18 September 1996 Na Stínadlech, Teplice  Malta 1–0 6–0 1998 World Cup qualification
11. 3–0
12. 26 February 1997 Stadion FK Bohemia, Poděbrady  Belarus 4–1 4–1 Friendly
13. 14 October 1998 Na Stínadlech, Teplice  Estonia 2–0 4–1 Euro 2000 qualifying
14. 3–0
15. 27 March 1999 Na Stínadlech, Teplice  Lithuania 2–0 2–0 Euro 2000 qualifying
16. 5 June 1999 Kadrioru Stadium, Tallinn  Estonia 1–0 2–0 Euro 2000 qualifying
17. 8 September 1999 Na Stínadlech, Teplice  Bosnia and Herzegovina 2–0 3–0 Euro 2000 qualifying
18. 3 June 2000 Frankenstadion, Nuremberg  Germany 2–2 2–3 Friendly

Honours

Player

Borussia Dortmund
Liverpool

Individual

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. – via Highbeam Research (subscription required)
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Matthews, p. 29.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Patrik Berger career statistics at Soccerbase. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. – via Highbeam Research (subscription required)
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. – via Highbeam Research (subscription required)
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. – via Highbeam Research (subscription required)
  20. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  24. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  26. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  27. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  28. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  29. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  30. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  31. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  32. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  33. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  34. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  35. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  36. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. – via Highbeam Research (subscription required)
  37. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  38. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. – via Highbeam Research (subscription required)
  39. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  40. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  41. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  44. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  45. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  47. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  48. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  49. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  50. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  52. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  53. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  55. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 Jeřábek, p. 18.
  57. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  58. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. – via Highbeam Research (subscription required)
  60. ↑ 60.0 60.1 60.2 60.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  61. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  62. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  63. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  64. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. – via Highbeam Research (subscription required)
  65. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  66. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  67. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

Cited texts

  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

Retrieved from "https://infogalactic.com/w/index.php?title=Patrik_Berger&oldid=2276970"