Markus Babbel (; born 8 September 1972) is a German professional football coach and former player who last managed the Western Sydney Wanderers FC. He played as a defender for clubs in Germany and England. Babbel won the UEFA Cup twice, in 1996 with Bayern and in 2001 with Liverpool, and was part of the Germany team that won UEFA Euro 96. Career Playing career Bayern Munich Born in Munich, Babbel's first professional club was Bayern Munich. He advanced from the youth squad to the first team and was a starting player eight times, and made four appearances as a substitute in league games. Hamburger SV and return to Bayern Munich He moved to Hamburger SV in August 1992 and appeared regularly in the first team, scoring his first league goal in Germany's top-flight. Returning to Bayern Munich in 1994, he started in 167 games, and attracted the attention of Manchester United following UEFA Euro 1996. A£5 million deal was put in place for the German full back, but it never went through. He was signed on a Bosman by Liverpool F.C. manager Gérard Houllier in June 2000, forming part of the back four during Liverpool's successful 2000–01 season. Liverpool He was an integral member of Liverpool's side and his characteristic raiding runs down the right side led to a number of goals, including one in the UEFA Cup final itself. His Liverpool career was forced to a sudden halt when he contracted Guillain–Barré syndrome and was unable to play for a year. Blackburn Rovers He went on loan to Blackburn Rovers in August 2003 after having recovered from Guillain–Barré syndrome, achieving regular first team appearances in the league and scoring three goals in the process. VfB Stuttgart Babbel's last club was VfB Stuttgart, which he joined on a free transfer in July 2004. In January 2007, Babbel announced that he would retire at the end of the 2006–07 season. German National Team He was capped 51 times, scoring one goal for Germany and was part of the Euro 96 winning team. Babbel also played for his country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000. Coaching career 2007–12: Early career Following his retirement from football, Babbel stayed on with his last club, VfB Stuttgart, as an assistant manager. On 24 November 2008, Babbel became head coach of VfB Stuttgart. Upon Babbel's arrival, VfB Stuttgart were 11th in the