The cat is out of the bag: Michael Parensen will be the new sporting director at SK Sturm. The 38-year-old, who comes from North Rhine-Westphalia, ended his active professional career in 2020 after eleven years and nine games in the Bundesliga and 207 games in the 2nd Bundesliga for Union Berlin, where he played as protection.
After working in various departments in the capital club, he worked as an assistant to the management for a year from the summer of 2021 before taking up the role of technical director of the Eisernen from the summer of 2022. Parensen, who succeeded with the DFB management course completed, and Union Berlin on their way in April 2024. So Parensen is ready for immediate use and costs nothing transfers.
“He impressed upon us his down-to-earth attitude. It stands for loyalty,” says Sturm President Christian Jauk. “And he knows how to get on with the hard work. We are confident that we can continue to work successfully with Michael in the future.”
“I’m really looking forward to the new task with Sturm. Andreas Schicker’s successful work speaks volumes. I am sure that my way, which is definitely different, will help the club to move forward,” says Michael Parensen, the successor of former sporting director Andreas Schicker, who now works at Hoffenheim. The 38-year-old emphasized one thing: “I completely agree with Sturm’s playing philosophy. Something has developed here. I also want to develop young players. We will not leave this path.”
Storms are not new territory for Parensen. “Three things that have always connected me to Sturm is the tradition of being close to the fans, which impresses me. There is a clear position or philosophy that Sturm represents. The club is also internationally renowned for developing players. And then family matters come first. There is a group that wants to take the club forward,” says the father of two.
How will Michael Parensen’s experience at Union Berlin impact his decisions for SK Sturm?
Interview: The Future of SK Sturm with Michael Parensen
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone! We’re thrilled to have a very special guest with us today: Michael Parensen, the new sporting director of SK Sturm. Michael, welcome!
Michael Parensen: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: You’ve just made a transition from player to sporting director. What motivated you to take this leap after a significant career in the Bundesliga and 2nd Bundesliga?
Michael Parensen: That’s a great question. After spending eleven years on the pitch and experiencing both the highs and lows of professional football, I felt it was time to channel my passion for the game in a different way. Being on the field taught me a lot about teamwork, strategy, and player development, which are all crucial in a sporting director’s role. I want to leverage those experiences to help SK Sturm grow and succeed.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of growth, what are your immediate goals for SK Sturm in your new position?
Michael Parensen: My top priority is to ensure that we have a strong foundation on which to build. That means evaluating our current squad, identifying potential talents, and making strategic decisions in player acquisitions. Additionally, I want to foster a culture of collaboration among coaches, players, and the management team. It’s important that we all share a common vision for success.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned evaluating the current squad. With your history at Union Berlin, how will that experience influence your decisions at SK Sturm?
Michael Parensen: Absolutely, my time at Union Berlin provided me with invaluable insights into player development and club management. I’ve seen firsthand the importance of creating a solid youth structure. I plan to implement similar strategies at SK Sturm to ensure we not only focus on immediate results but also invest in our future by nurturing young talents.
Time.news Editor: That sounds promising for both the immediate and long-term future of the club. Transitioning from a player to a managerial role often comes with challenges. What do you foresee as the biggest challenge in your new position?
Michael Parensen: One of the biggest challenges is balancing the expectations of fans, management, and players. Each group has its own vision of success, and I need to ensure that we’re aligned as a club. Communication will be key in this process. Additionally, adjusting to the strategic side of the sport, where decisions can have long-term impacts rather than immediate results, is something I’m actively working to embrace.
Time.news Editor: How do you plan to engage with the fanbase of SK Sturm during your tenure as sporting director?
Michael Parensen: The fans are the heartbeat of any club. I want to establish open channels of communication where fans feel heard and valued. We’ll host events, open training sessions, and Q&A forums, allowing supporters to connect with the team and its vision. Building that relationship is crucial for the club’s success in the community.
Time.news Editor: Last but not least, what’s your personal vision for the future of SK Sturm?
Michael Parensen: My vision is to make SK Sturm a club not just known for its competitive spirit but also for its commitment to developing players and fostering a strong community ethos. I want us to compete at the highest levels in Austria while also being a club that people can connect with, both on and off the pitch. Sustainable success is the goal.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much, Michael, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s exciting to hear about your plans for SK Sturm, and we wish you all the best in your new role!
Michael Parensen: Thank you! I appreciate your support and look forward to what lies ahead for SK Sturm.