Is there a possibility of Rangnick's return to the field?
Hertha BSC, the historic German football club, is currently navigating a period of transition as they seek a new CEO to fill the vacancy left by Thomas Herrich's resignation. In a recent development, sports executive Tomas Zorn and football strategist Ralf Rangnick, who previously worked together at Lokomotiv Moscow, have been linked with potential roles at the club.
Rangnick, who is currently focused on the 2026 World Cup, has been earmarked for a leadership role at Hertha following the global tournament. Zorn, who served as sports director under Rangnick at Lokomotiv Moscow, is considered his mentee and has extensive experience in sports management.
In a secret meeting in Vienna, Zorn and Rangnick were present alongside Hertha's board member Ralf Thaeter. The proposed idea is that Zorn could take over the day-to-day operational role in Berlin, supported by Benjamin Weber, while Rangnick would contribute as a consultant initially and then take on a leadership position at Hertha after the World Cup. This arrangement is seen as a potential solution to Hertha's current difficulties in appointing a new managing director, particularly given that several key academy leadership roles remain vacant.
However, the club's management has not yet made a final decision, with negotiations ongoing with several candidates for key posts. Notable figures who have reportedly declined offers include Oliver Kahn, Jonas Boldt, Jochen Sauer, Alexander Rosen, and Sven Mislintat. The ideal candidate, it seems, would have a strong connection to the academy.
The proposed role for Zorn would involve stabilising and developing the club's sporting operations, with Rangnick providing strategic guidance. Zorn, who has experience as a player agent, notably representing Jordan Torunarigha, would handle the club's daily sports business, while Rangnick would bring his football vision and concepts to the club.
While the exact nature and purpose of the meeting in Vienna are not disclosed, it is clear that Hertha is exploring innovative solutions to its CEO dilemma. As the search continues, Samir Arabi remains in the waiting loop for the CEO position. The club's future leadership is eagerly anticipated by fans, who hope for a return to the club's former glory.
[1] Sources: Bild, Sport1, Kicker
In an attempt to resolve their CEO vacancy, Hertha BSC is considering a collaboration between football strategist Ralf Rangnick and sports management expert Ralf Thaeter's mentee, Tomas Zorn. Rangnick, with his football vision and concepts, could potentially take on a leadership role at Hertha post the 2026 World Cup, while Zorn could manage the club's daily sports operations, having represented Jordan Torunarigha as a player agent.
