It began with a sudden, physical betrayal. For a man who spent his professional life in the high-pressure environment of international sports, the first symptom was an unexpected change in his physical state. Shortly after his 65th birthday, Ralph Krueger noticed his hand began to shake.
The onset was not a gradual decline but an abrupt shift. Meine Hand zitterte von dem einen auf den anderen Tag
, Krueger recalled in an interview with the Aargauer Zeitung. Initially, he attributed the tremor to a high consumption of coffee, delaying a medical consultation for several weeks. However, the persistence of the symptom led him to a doctor, eventually resulting in a formal diagnosis in November 2024.
A sudden loss of neurological control
The diagnosis was Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disorder characterized by the progressive loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. This loss of dopamine disrupts the body’s ability to regulate movement, often manifesting as tremors, muscle rigidity, or a slowing of physical motion.
For Krueger, the medical reality was stark. He acknowledged the permanence of the condition, stating, Ich habe im Herbst 2024 die Diagnose Parkinson bekommen. Die Krankheit ist unheilbar
. While the disease is not curable, it is treatable, and Krueger noted that life expectancy generally remains unchanged. The primary challenge, however, is the potential decline in the quality of life as the disease progresses.
„Zum ersten Mal hatte ich keine Kontrolle mehr und dieser Tag hat vieles verändert“ Ralph Krueger, former national coach
This loss of control was a significant challenge for him. Krueger, who spent decades managing athletes and national teams, found himself facing a condition that requires a different kind of management than the strategic planning used in sports. Following the diagnosis, he chose to step back from the public eye to process the reality of his health.
Fighting an incurable condition with elite discipline
In response to the diagnosis, Krueger has implemented a rigorous daily exercise routine. Recognizing that movement can mitigate symptoms and preserve function, he has dedicated a significant portion of his day to health management. He now spends two to three hours every day engaging in various sports.
This commitment to fitness has had a visible impact on his physical state. Ich bin sportlich wie nie
, he told reporters. By integrating consistent physical activity into his daily schedule, he is working to manage the symptoms of the disease and maintain his overall well-being.
This commitment to movement is a central part of his current routine. By focusing on what he can control regarding his physical health, Krueger has worked toward a more stable way of living with the condition.
From psychological shock to acceptance
The mental transition was not immediate. According to reporting by Blick, Krueger’s thoughts were initially consumed by the illness. He describes a process of gradual adaptation, supported by professional care and his family, including his wife, Glenda, and their two children.
The shift occurred when he stopped viewing the disease as an external enemy to be defeated and instead integrated it into his identity. He has learned to accept that the illness is now a part of him, though he insists it does not define him entirely. He views the diagnosis as a universal human reality, noting that eventually, everyone receives a judgment
or a medical verdict that alters their life.
This psychological pivot allows him to maintain a distinction between the disease and his self-worth. While he cannot control the progression of the Parkinson’s syndrome, he maintains that he can control how he responds to it.
Stepping back into the public eye
The decision to go public with his diagnosis marks a new phase in his life. After months of privacy, Krueger decided that speaking openly was a necessary step. Ich spreche bei dieser Gelegenheit zum ersten Mal darüber. Es ist ein großer Schritt für mich
, he explained.
His career has been one of diverse high-stakes roles. From playing 350 games as a forward in the Bundesliga to coaching the Swiss national team from 1998 to 2010—leading them to a fourth-place finish at the 1998 World Championships—Krueger has always operated at the highest level. His journey continued in the NHL as head coach for Edmonton (2012/13) and Buffalo (2019–21), and even extended into football as the chairman of FC Southampton from 2014 to 2019.
Currently serving as the chairman of the supervisory board for FK Austria Wien since November 2023, Krueger continues to engage with the professional world while balancing the demands of his health. By sharing his diagnosis, he moves away from the isolation of illness and toward a transparent existence.
