After 195 games and almost four and a half years, it’s over. Christian Ilzer is leaving SK Sturm Graz and moving to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the German Bundesliga with immediate effect. These clubs will announce on Friday.
Jürgen Säumel will fill the coaching gap that has now arisen in Graz. Former coach Sturm II is taking over on an interim basis for the time being.
He is supported by assistant coaches Michael Madl, Sargon Duran, goalkeeping coach Stefan Loch and development coach Günther Neukirchner.
Ilzer brings three assistant coaches with him
Ilzer signs a “long-term contract” with the ÖFB legionnaires club Florian Grillitsch, Alexander Prass and Florian Micheler.
Along with Ilzer, assistant coaches Dominik Deutschl and Uwe Hölzl are moving to Hoffenheim. Athletic trainer Marco Angeler will follow the trio later.
Ilzer replaces Pellegrino Matarazzo in Sinsheim, who had to leave at the beginning of the week due to a lack of results. At TSG, the successful Graz duo Ilzer/Schicker are reuniting. Andreas Schicker has been the sporting director of the German Bundesliga club for almost a month.
Ilzer leaves Graz with “crying eyes”
Christian Ilzer says: “I was able to spend a wonderful time at SK Sturm, a wonderful trip that I will never forget. I leave Graz with a tear in my eye, but at the same time with pride and a clear conscience, a top team at the top of the Austrian Bundesliga and who have every chance of defending their title in the ÖFB Cup.”
“I would like to wish the former players the best of luck in their next tasks and I would like to thank the whole club, our president, the board, the managing directors, all employee and with our wonderful fans for four and a half years. . I will always cherish these wonderful moments Be in my heart in black and white.
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Jauk is talking about record transfers
Sturm President Christian Jauk explains: “The time came as a surprise, of course, I also tried to convince our successful coach to stay – but we wanted to fulfill Christian’s express wish for an immediate change and after discussing the – like Hoffenheim and correspondence. transfer fee – a record transfer for a coach in the Austrian Bundesliga – to be completed now.”
A transfer fee of around 2.5 million euros has been discussed in the media recently. However, another Bundesliga coach might cost more >>>
Jauk continued: “Christian is a true Styrian who lives in the exemplary Styrian club like no other and has given his heart and soul to SK Sturm every day. I wish Chris and his coaching staff all the best in one of the Europeans. Best Leagues. Thank you for your efforts in black and white.”
Business Director Thomas Tebbich added: “On behalf of all of SK Sturm, a big thank you to Christian Ilzer and his coaching staff, who have made this club very successful in the sport in recent years – I wish them all the best in their future journey. Germany.”
Double siege 2023/24
TSG are currently only 15th in the table, one point ahead of relegation. Ilzer should now use his experience to guide Hoffenheim back towards the European Cup places.
Austria’s SK Sturm has earned a great reputation. In the four years he spent with Graz, he continuously developed the “Blackies” and in the end they won an amazing double in 2023/24. In the current season, the Graz team is also on course for the championship as league leaders.
Great, great value!
Christian Ilzer will be the new head coach of TSG Hoffenheim. The 47-year-old joins Austrian double winners Sturm Graz and has a long-term contract in Kraichgau.
— TSG Hoffenheim (@tsghoffenheim) November 15, 2024
What do you think of this article?
How could Christian Ilzer’s success at Hoffenheim influence other clubs to recruit coaches from smaller leagues?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to today’s discussion! We have an exciting topic that has just hit the headlines: Christian Ilzer’s departure from SK Sturm Graz to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. We’ve seen quite a bit of movement in the coaching realm lately. What’s your initial reaction to this transfer?
Football Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s certainly a significant move in the football landscape. Ilzer has made a notable impact at SK Sturm Graz over the last four and a half years, and it’s always intriguing when a coach transitions to a higher league like the Bundesliga. It suggests that he’s ready for a new challenge and that Hoffenheim sees potential in him to turn around their fortunes.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, the circumstances around his departure and the comments he made are particularly poignant. He mentioned leaving “with a tear in my eye” but also expressed pride in what he achieved with SK Sturm. How important are these emotional connections for coaches when they make such big decisions?
Football Expert: Emotional connections are crucial! Coaches often invest a lot of themselves into their clubs; their relationships with players, fans, and the club’s history can deeply affect their decisions. Ilzer’s sentiments indicate the bond he formed with Sturm Graz. That affinity is essential— it fuels their passion and commitment, whether they’re moving on or remaining in place.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of commitments, Christian Ilzer brings several assistant coaches with him to Hoffenheim. How significant is staff continuity when moving to a new club?
Football Expert: Very significant! When a coach transitions, having a familiar support staff can help ease the shift for both the new coach and the team. They share a common philosophy and concepts, which can facilitate quicker integration into a new environment. This helps in ensuring that the team understands the approach right from the get-go, minimizing disruption.
Time.news Editor: Just to touch upon the financial aspect, the transfer has reportedly set a record fee for a coach in the Austrian Bundesliga. What does that say about the growing market for coaching talent?
Football Expert: It signals that clubs are increasingly willing to invest in quality coaching. Just as players often come with hefty price tags, we’re seeing a shift in perception regarding coaches. A strong managerial hire can have a transformational impact on a club’s fortunes, and this fee indicates that Hoffenheim believes Ilzer has the right tools to lead them back to success.
Time.news Editor: And what should we expect from Jürgen Säumel, who has stepped in as the interim coach for Sturm Graz?
Football Expert: Säumel has knowledge of the club as the former coach of Sturm II, which is a positive element. He’ll likely focus on maintaining the current momentum of the team, rather than instilling a whole new philosophy. However, he must also prepare the players for potential changes ahead as the club looks for a permanent replacement.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a crucial period for both clubs, then! If Ilzer finds success at Hoffenheim, what might that mean for the future of coaching talent from leagues like the Austrian Bundesliga?
Football Expert: If Ilzer thrives, it could open the floodgates for other talented coaches from smaller leagues to get their chance in bigger leagues. It strengthens the argument that quality coaching exists beyond the traditional powerhouses, encouraging clubs to scout for talent in less heralded leagues. The spotlight could shine on emerging coaches, elevating the overall level of coaching globally.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating to see the dynamics at play in football, particularly in the managerial landscape. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today!
Football Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for both clubs and their fans, and I look forward to seeing how it all unfolds.