Farewell to Christian Ilzer: SK Sturm Graz loses success coach

Farewell to Christian Ilzer: SK Sturm Graz loses success coach

In a surprising turn, Christian Ilzer leaves the SK Sturm Graz after four and a half years to switch to TSG Hoffenheim to the German Bundesliga. The decision is the result of months of speculation and has recently been determined. With him, his whole team of coaches, including the assistant coach Uwe Hölzl and Dominik Deutschl and athletic coach Marco Angeler, also takes farewell to Graz. For the transition period, Jürgen Saumel takes over the coaching tasks.

Ilzer, who has been successful for Sturm since summer 2020, will be remembered above all for his outstanding achievements in the latest club history. Under his leadership, Sturm Graz turned into a serious team that not only won two runner-up championships, but also won the ÖFB Cup 2023 and celebrated the historical double last season. "I leave Graz with a crying eye, but also with pride," said Ilzer, who is convinced that he is leaving a strong team that is at the top of the Austrian Bundesliga and clearly has the title defense in the ÖFB Cup.

background of the change

The decision of Ilzer to leave the club comes at a time when the team plays the lead in the Austrian Bundesliga and plays in the Champions League. Sturm Graz President Christian Jauk emphasized that Ilzer and the sports director Andreas Schicker together raised the club to a new level. "Despite his contract until 2026, we had to meet Christian's wish for an immediate change," said Jauk. This was followed by intensive discussions with Hoffenheim. It is reported that the transfer for Ilzer is a record amount for a trainer from the Austrian Bundesliga.

"Christian is a real Styrian who gave all his passion for the SK Sturm. I wish him and his team all the best for the future," added Jauk. The farewell shows how much Ilzer's influence on the club was and how much it is valued by the fans and the club management.

For interim coach Jürgen Saumel, the task is to continue the successful tradition while the coaching team is stabilized. "The team is in an excellent condition and I am looking forward to the collaboration," said Saumel optimistically and emphasized that the focus is on the continuation of the successful path.

For more information about the background and reactions on this change, see the report www.meinbezirk.at .