Book review: “Played in Germany” by Kit Holden, 2024.

I had casually mentioned on Facebook that I had read this excellent book “Played in Germany” while travelling to/from Munich to watch the Round of 16 match between Holland and Romania at the fantastic Allianz Arena. TF squad leader Mikel Martins was informed of my joy through his vast network of creepers and grasshoppers and quickly requested a few words for the TF cognoscenti to digest; I was happy to oblige.

This book can be understood in two ways: as an examination of the most important football clubs and cities in this vast country, and at the same time as a compact introduction to the modern history of Germany, viewed through the prism of the most important football regions, the fans and their rivalries.

Importantly, the author also looks at the national side in the context of the dissonance that comes with supporting a “country” that enabled the rise of the Nazis through (almost) democratic means; which is why Germans often prefer their club to their country.

The book is absolutely “topical” as it references Bayer Leverkusen’s recent league win in May 2024 (thus doing away with the derogatory nickname “Neverkusen” once and for all). There is an amusing photo of Harry Kane enjoying Oktoberfest in full Bavarian costume and many other interesting football stories. Myths are explored as well as passions and hatreds.

A quick word about Bayern Munich’s stadium. I have been to football matches in North, South and Central America, Africa, Asia and over 30 European stadiums (the latter mainly with Newcastle, but a few more as a neutral) and I think it is the best stadium I have ever been to.

Admittedly, the atmosphere was also enhanced by the fact that it was a knockout game, that you were sitting in category 1 seats (middle row, a little away from the halfway line: perfect) and that you could take your beer with you to your seat – but these were just bonuses.

The sides are steep but not too steep, the aisles wide and the viewing angles all seemed crystal clear: obviously it was purpose-built for football. If you ever get the chance to go there, take it. Munich is a great city to visit and TF Scribbler Nick Clark and I wish we’d spent more than our two nights there because there’s so much to see and do.

The timing of the publication of this book is perfect, as the 2024 European Championship is already in full swing. An afterword provides an introduction to the tournament and draws parallels to the “summer fairytale” when Germany hosted the 2006 World Cup to great acclaim.

It is a very easy read for the football fan who wants to learn more about the most important German clubs and thereby find out what makes this country special.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you’re on a train or plane this summer and need a little break in a chapter to pass the time for what would be a pleasant twenty minutes or so.

Freeman Mag (who also has tickets for the final, match report later).