Gerhard Struber: Is the move to Bristol City imminent?

Gerhard Struber: Is the move to Bristol City imminent?

Gerhard Struber is about to take on a new challenge in the English Championship. Two game days before the end of the season, he was surprisingly fired as coach of 1. FC Köln, even though his team was in a strong second place in the league at the time. This is not the first time that Struber has lost his position in a promising situation. In 2024, he was removed from his position as league leader at Red Bull Salzburg, raising questions about his continuity.

Struber is currently considered the top favorite for the coaching position at Bristol City. How Laola1 reported, it could be officially presented as early as Thursday. The likelihood of his appointment is high as most English media are tipping him to take over, while his competitor Rob Edwards, who was also discussed as a candidate, is expected to take over at Oder's Middlesbrough.

The prospects at Bristol City

Bristol City finished last season in sixth place in the Championship and fell to Sheffield United in the play-off semi-finals. The previous coach, Liam Manning, moved to Norwich City, justifying the need for a new sporting management. A report by journalist John Percy from Telegraph Sports highlights that Struber is considered the first choice to succeed Manning.

Struber already has experience in English football, having coached Barnsley FC in the 2019/20 season. During this time he managed the feat of preventing his team from relegation. After Barnsley, he took over the New York Red Bulls and then Red Bull Salzburg before taking charge of FC Köln later this season. Under his leadership, promotion to the Bundesliga was achieved, but the new dismissal makes his future appear uncertain.

The importance of coaching changes

The discussion about coaching changes is not new. Statistics show that such decisions do not necessarily result in the desired success. According to an analysis by Mirror A change of coach rarely brings the desired results. This raises questions about the clubs' long-term strategy and questions the effectiveness of such measures.

A move to Bristol City could represent a chance for Struber to rehabilitate himself and further build his reputation in international football. Given his previous success and experience in the Championship, many are hoping he can reach the next level with Bristol City.