Former footballer Kapllani assumes coaching role for SC Freiburg's women's squad
New Head Coach for SC Freiburg's Women's Team
Get ready, football fans! Edmond Kapllani is stepping into the big leagues as the new head coach for SC Freiburg's women's team in the 2025/26 season. Prepare to say goodbye to Theresa Merk, as Kapllani takes the reins. But who is this newcomer, and what does he bring to the table?
Let's start with his roots. Born and raised in Germany, Kapllani, a spry 42-year-old, honed his skills as a footballer for clubs such as KSC and FC Augsburg. His journey as a player didn't end there; he also represented Albania's national team, boasting 41 caps between 2004 and 2014.
But Kapllani wasn't content to just rest on his laurels. After hanging up his cleats, he dove headfirst into coaching, starting as a co-player coach at SV Spielberg. In 2020, he returned to his beloved Karlsruher SC, this time as the assistant coach for the U17 junior team.
His appointment at SC Freiburg marks a strategic move for the team. They're not just hiring any old coach—they're getting a pro with a wealth of experience and a clear vision. Kapllani replaces Theresa Merk with a determined stance, ready to take the women's team to new heights.
In essence, Kapllani brings both on-field and off-field expertise to the table. His playing career and assistant coaching stints have equipped him with the tools to mold young players and develop groundbreaking strategies. So, while you may be sad to see Merk go, rest assured that Kapllani's arrival bodes well for SC Freiburg's women's team. Let's cheer him on as he takes the field! 🥳🎉⚽️🔴⚪️
Sources:* [1] Bundesliga Archive* [2] SWR Sport* [3] Albanian Football Association
Notes:His playing career took him across a few German clubs, including Karlsruher SC, FC Augsburg, and FSV Frankfurt, among others. Kapllani also had the honor of representing the Albania national team, earning no less than 41 caps between 2004 and 2014[1][2]. He honed his coaching skills as an assistant coach for the male U17 team at Karlsruher SC[2]. Kapllani's appointment at SC Freiburg is seen as a strategic move aimed at improving the team’s development and performance[2].
Kapllani's football roots extend beyond SC Freiburg, as he previously played for clubs like KSC, FC Augsburg, and FSV Frankfurt in Germany, and represented Albania's national team with 41 caps. In the European leagues, his coaching journey includes co-coaching at SV Spielberg and assisting the male U17 team at his former club, Karlsruher SC.