Ernő Egri Erbstein was a Hungarian coach who became one of the most revered figures in Italian football during the 1940s.
The pioneer —
Ernő Egri Erbstein was a Hungarian coach who became one of the most revered figures in Italian football during the 1940s.
blizzard books
Erbstein, who was Jewish, was a strong believer in the family unit. He and wife Jolan had two daughters, Marta and Susanna -- and his contacts ensured all four survived the Holocaust.
Family man —
Erbstein, who was Jewish, was a strong believer in the family unit. He and wife Jolan had two daughters, Marta and Susanna -- and his contacts ensured all four survived the Holocaust.
Blizzard Books
The weeping willow tree next to the Dohany Street Synagogue in Budapest has the names of Hungarian Jews killed during the Holocaust inscribed on each leaf. Erbstein fled Italy and returned home before the start of World War Two.
Leaves of history —
The weeping willow tree next to the Dohany Street Synagogue in Budapest has the names of Hungarian Jews killed during the Holocaust inscribed on each leaf. Erbstein fled Italy and returned home before the start of World War Two.
Dominic Bliss
Dominic Bliss traveled across Italy to find tales of Erbstein's exploits as he researched his book "The Triumph and Tragedy of Football's Forgotten Pioneer," which was written over a five-year period.
Looking for answers —
Dominic Bliss traveled across Italy to find tales of Erbstein's exploits as he researched his book "The Triumph and Tragedy of Football's Forgotten Pioneer," which was written over a five-year period.
Dominic Bliss
On May 4 1949, Erbstein -- who returned to Italy after the war -- lost his life in an plane crash which killed all on board including the players of his Torino side. The plane plummeted into the Superga hillside next to the basilica near Turin.
Remembering the tragedy —
On May 4 1949, Erbstein -- who returned to Italy after the war -- lost his life in an plane crash which killed all on board including the players of his Torino side. The plane plummeted into the Superga hillside next to the basilica near Turin.
Dominic Bliss
Every year, supporters of Torino come to the basilica to remember the 18 players and management staff who perished in the crash.
Never forgotten —
Every year, supporters of Torino come to the basilica to remember the 18 players and management staff who perished in the crash.
Dominic Bliss
This case belonged the club's masseur. It was undamaged in the crash and today sits in a museum in Turin.
Left intact —
This case belonged the club's masseur. It was undamaged in the crash and today sits in a museum in Turin.
Dominic Bliss
Like this suitcase, Erbstein's own luggage was undamaged. He had borrowed it from his daughter and had promised to return it when he arrived home from Lisbon.
The suitcase —
Like this suitcase, Erbstein's own luggage was undamaged. He had borrowed it from his daughter and had promised to return it when he arrived home from Lisbon.
Dominic Bliss