Manuel Rösler leaves WAT Simmering: A sad farewell

Manuel Rösler leaves WAT Simmering: A sad farewell

After many years of intensive work and commitment at WAT Simmering, Manuel Rösler, the badminton club's head coach, will lead his last game against BSC Wolfurt on Sunday, December 22nd. Over the last eight years, Rösler has made a significant contribution to the development of the club, with the number of members increasing to almost 300. However, his decision to step down was anything but easy and is the result of many considerations.

The German native, who has lived in Austria for 25 years, explained that he had to consider retiring from his coaching position for financial reasons. A major client who was essential to his independence has broken away. This led to the difficult decision to return to employment, but not in Austria. The club could not meet the financial conditions for his independence.

Challenges and support

Rösler will continue to support the club as an external consultant to support important areas such as coordination and sponsorship. “It was my wish to maintain this connection,” said Rösler. Despite his resignation, he continues to see WAT Simmering as a project that is close to his heart.

The positive development of the association and the increase in members show that its commitment was fruitful. He emphasizes: “If I let everything go, I think it would collapse like a house of cards.” The club now has the challenge of finding a successor. Rösler is convinced that solutions can be developed internally without hiring external trainers.

The future training management will be taken over by the multiple national champions Katharina Hochmeir, Philipp Drexler and Vilson Vattanirappel. In addition, a new player will be brought in from Germany to support the youth sector. However, there will be no permanent successor as head coach.

While Rösler will concentrate on a new professional challenge in the marketing department of a Japanese sporting goods manufacturer, he also looks back on the emotional highlights of his time at WAT Simmering.

Promotion to the 1st Bundesliga was one of the greatest sporting successes, an achievement that many would not have thought possible. The progress and success of players like Pascal Cheng, who won a bronze medal at the Youth Olympic Games, inspires pride and confidence in Rösler for the future of the club.

Although the high financial burden remains and sponsors have to be found, Rösler remains optimistic about the possibilities for the club. “A championship title in the 1st Bundesliga could theoretically be possible, but it is very challenging with the current resources,” concluded Rösler.

The members and supporters of WAT Simmering have mixed feelings about this step, as Rösler was a central figure in the club's development, but everyone hopes for a positive continuation of his work for the club even after his resignation.

Details about his other projects and the club's career will be examined in more detail in future articles. WAT Simmering has had an important era under Rösler and is now at the beginning of a new chapter.