Roger Prinzen

It’s hard to believe Roger is really gone. April 16th felt…wrong, like a page ripped out of a really good story. Roger, born January 1st, 1969, left us far too soon, but what a story it was. I met him back in the late 90s, a whirlwind of nervous energy and an almost embarrassing enthusiasm for football. He had this incredible ability to make you feel like *you* were the one with the brilliant strategy, even if you were just grabbing a coffee. I remember one time, we were watching a particularly frustrating match and he started sketching diagrams on a napkin – intricate formations and arrows pointing everywhere. He didn’t even realize he was drawing, just completely lost in the game. That was Roger – utterly absorbed, passionate, and always, always thinking. He poured his heart and soul into football, starting as a player and then blossoming into a brilliant manager, leading teams like FC Balzers and, of course, 1. FC Nürnberg. He wasn’t about the glory, though. He genuinely cared about the players, about building a team, about fostering a spirit of camaraderie. He’d spend hours after training, not just analyzing tactics, but just talking to the lads, listening to their worries, offering a word of encouragement. He and his wife, Sarah, built a beautiful family – Liam and Chloe – and they were the absolute center of his world. I’ll always picture him beaming with pride watching them grow, a warmth radiating from him that was infectious. Roger’s passion wasn’t just for football, though. He loved tinkering with old cars, could fix anything with an engine, and had a surprisingly green thumb – his garden was always bursting with colour. He had this quiet joy in simple things, a genuine appreciation for the beauty around him. More than anything, he had a knack for making people feel seen and valued. He remembered everyone’s name, asked about their families, and always had a kind word and a ready smile. He truly believed in the power of a good game, a good laugh, and a good conversation. The football world has lost a truly dedicated and insightful manager, but we, his family, friends, and countless players he mentored, have lost a wonderful man. Roger, you will be deeply missed, but your spirit, your passion, and your kindness will live on in all of us. Rest in peace, my friend.