Leipzig has appointed Alonso as its new head coach.
Spanish handball coach Raúl Alonso has taken on a new challenge, joining SC DHfK Leipzig as their new head coach in the German Bundesliga. The 46-year-old coach, who hails from Spain, comes to Leipzig after a successful stint with the Macedonian champions, RK Eurofarm Pelister[1][3][5].
Alonso's appointment comes at a crucial time for SC DHfK Leipzig, who finished 13th in the Bundesliga's recently concluded season[4]. The club's manager, Karsten Günther, stated that Alonso fits their profile and brings a wealth of experience from various top clubs[2].
Alonso's coaching career in Germany began in 2021 when he joined HC Erlangen as sports director and head coach[6]. After a brief stint in Austria and Belarus, he returned to the Bundesliga with HC Erlangen, where he served until 2023[6].
In addition to his German experience, Alonso has coached in multiple top German handball clubs and has a history of coaching in European handball leagues[1]. He also has coaching experience in the women's Bundesliga, having coached Rhein-Main Bienen from 2008 to 2009[7].
Alonso is replacing Runar Sigtryggsson as head coach of SC DHfK Leipzig. Sigtryggsson left the club early due to their worst season in the German top tier[8]. Alonso has signed a two-year contract with SC DHfK Leipzig, valid until June 30, 2027[1].
The announcement of Alonso's appointment was made by SC DHfK Leipzig's Bundesliga club[9]. The club's appointment of Alonso is considered an important step in Leipzig's difficult path back to success[3].
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Name | Raúl Alonso | | Nationality | Spanish | | Age (2025) | 46 | | Current Position | Head coach of SC DHfK Leipzig (Germany) | | Coaching history in Germany | Newly appointed in 2025, no prior German coaching experience reported | | Previous Club | Eurofarm Pelister (North Macedonia) | | Contract Length | 2 years |
[1] SC DHfK Leipzig Announces New Head Coach Raúl Alonso [2] SC DHfK Leipzig's New Coach: Raúl Alonso Brings Wealth of Experience [3] Raúl Alonso's Appointment: A Significant Step for SC DHfK Leipzig [4] SC DHfK Leipzig Finishes 13th in Bundesliga [5] Raúl Alonso Requests Contract Termination for Bundesliga Opportunity [6] Raúl Alonso's Coaching Career Timeline [7] Raúl Alonso's Coaching Experience in Women's Bundesliga [8] Runar Sigtryggsson Leaves SC DHfK Leipzig Early [9] SC DHfK Leipzig Announces Raúl Alonso as New Head Coach
Sports and football could potentially be introduced in Alonso's coaching tenure at SC DHfK Leipzig, given his extensive experience in European handball leagues and his brief coaching stint in the women's Bundesliga. Alonso, having taken over from Runar Sigtryggsson, might aim to elevate Leipzig's performance in the Bundesliga, just as he did with Macedonian champions, RK Eurofarm Pelister.
