Searching for a Superstar Coach on a Shoestring Budget: DFB's Hunt for Women's Team Leadership
The German Football Association (DFB) has marked a new chapter in its women's team pursuits, following the parting of ways with Martina Voss-Tecklenburg. Horst Hrubesch, the interim coach, now carries the hopes of leading the team to the 2025 European Championships in Switzerland, with the DFB's management eager to hasten the process of hiring a proficient sports director and a new head coach.
President Bernd Neuendorf calls for a fresh start in sports management, recognizing the necessity of a capable leader to steer the European Championship runners-up towards their next major tournament. The cash-strapped association led by managing director Andreas Rettig needs to fill these vacant positions quickly.
Unfortunately, there seem to be no standout candidates yet. Almuth Schult is a viable option for the director position, with Ralf Kellermann, Bianca Rech, and Joti Chatzialexiou appearing less likely alternatives for the coaching role.
A Scarcity of High-Profile Candidates
Hrubesch's intentions hint at a return to Hamburger SV as head of youth development, preferably after the 2024 Olympics in Paris. As for a potential long-term coach, Stefan Kuntz, who is inexperienced in women's soccer, has been considered.
Adequate experience in the women's Bundesliga might be found, but the options are limited. Meanwhile, foreign coaches with proven track records like Tony Gustavsson (Australia) and Sarina Wiegman (England) are likely to come with a hefty price tag, which the DFB may find difficult to afford.
The DFB is still grappling with the financial repercussions of the "mutual agreement" for the termination of Voss-Tecklenburg's contract, which will surely add to their financial constraints.
The End of an Era: Voss-Tecklenburg's Exit
Voss-Tecklenburg had led the team for close to five years, taking over as the DFB's declared preferred candidate in 2017. Her tenure, however, saw a mix of results, including finishing in the quarter-finals of the 2019 World Cup and reaching the final of the 2022 European Championship in England. These milestones demonstrated her ability to inspire the team.
Despite the recent victories under Hrubesch, the Paris ticket for the Olympics now hangs in balance. A difficult match against Denmark on December 1 will determine the group's winner, securing a ticket to the Final Four. Should the team fail to overcome the 2-0 deficit from the first leg, their only hope lies in their subsequent match against bottom-placed Wales on December 5.
The DFB's quest for a new, super coach in the women's sector is now an urgent priority. Voss-Tecklenburg, with her experience in women's soccer, continues to be a notable figure in the world of football despite the recent developments.
Sources: and enrichment data
