Johannes Theodor "Theo" Bücker (born 10 July 1948) is a German football manager and a former player, who is the current coach of the under-15 team of Lebanese club Athletico SC.

Coaching career

Return to Lebanon

On 8 August 2011, Bücker was announced as Lebanon's head coach, with the former national team manager taking over the reins ten years after leaving the position. He is the first ever coach to bring Lebanon to the fourth and final qualifying round of the FIFA World Cup. During this period, the Lebanese national team made impressive results. They defeated the United Arab Emirates 3–1 in Beirut, South Korea 2–1 in Beirut, and Kuwait 1–0 in Kuwait in the third round. For the first time in their history, Lebanon defeated Iran by a single goal on matchday 4 of the final round. Bücker announced his retirement in May 2013, effective from 11 June 2013, after a match that saw his side defeated by Iran 4–0.

Nejmeh

On 18 December 2017, Bücker was re-appointed head coach of Lebanese Premier League club Nejmeh, following his spell during the 2013–14 season where he won a league title. Nejmeh finished the 2017–18 season as runners-up.

Ahli Sarba

In 2018 Bücker became the coach of Lebanese Second Division club Ahli Sarba, staying at the club during their relegation to the Third Division.

Athletico SC

On 6 July 2020, Bücker was appointed coach of the under-15 team of Athletico SC.

Personal life

Bücker considers himself as "half-Lebanese" and is married to a Lebanese woman. He has been a resident of Beirut for many years, expressing his love for his adopted nation. In 2012, former Lebanon national team member Buddy Farah stated that the credit for Lebanon's success and improvement should go to Bücker and that he was the best thing ever to happen to Lebanese football.

Honours

Manager

Individual