Salzburg's coaching threshold: Who follows Lijnders?

Salzburg's coaching threshold: Who follows Lijnders?

Salzburg, Österreich - FC Red Bull Salzburg decided on Monday, December 16, 2024, the separation of coach Pepijn Lijnders. After a disappointing course of the season, which made the team fall back to fifth place in the Austrian Bundesliga and resulted in a weak balance in the Champions League, those responsible had to react. Only a victory of six champions League games and poor performance led to this drastic decision, which the club guidance saw as necessary. In a joint statement, CEO Stephan Reiter and sports director Rouven Schröder said: "We started analysis of the autumn season, which is unfortunately unsatisfactory." A new impulse under new management is crucial to achieve the sporting goals.

experienced successor

As the new head coach, Thomas Letsch, who had already been connected to FC Red Bull Salzburg in the past and has focused on international football. By returning, the club hopes for new impulses for the upcoming preparation for the spring season. Letsch was enthusiastic about the return: "It feels very good to be here again. FC Red Bull Salzburg is a special club with which I have already experienced a lot." According to Rouven Schröder, the rapid clarification of the coaching question was important to successfully promote the plans for the upcoming season.

The first steps to the new era under Letsch begin in January 2025. Until then, those responsible want to ensure that the new coach is in training in good time in order to start preparing directly. The first test game against FC Bayern Munich on January 6th will be a first endurance test and will show whether the new trainer can successfully get the bulls on course. In view of the current challenges in the league and European competitions, the club hopes for a turn in sporty skill to fight again at the top of Austrian football.