Werder Bremen secures a new head coach to follow in Werner's footsteps.
Werder Bremen Announces Horst Steffen as New Head Coach
Following Ole Werner's departure, Werder Bremen has named Horst Steffen as their new head coach, according to multiple media reports. Steffen's agreement is said to be in place, with negotiations focusing on the release fee.
The 56-year-old Steffen, a native of Krefeld, had a successful tenure at SV Elversberg, leading the club from the Regionalliga Südwest to the 2. Bundesliga in just two years. However, Elversberg narrowly missed out on promotion to the Bundesliga after finishing third in the 2024-2025 season and losing in the promotion playoffs against Heidenheim.
Steffen, who had previously been linked with 1. FC Köln, other Bundesliga club, will replace Werner, who decided not to renew his contract, effective immediately. Werner, who had been with the team since 2019, stated that the decision was difficult but necessary for future development.
Clemens Fritz, Werder Bremen's football manager, expressed the club's disappointment in losing Werner but emphasized the need for a quick resolution to secure a new head coach. "We need continuity and clarity for the future," Fritz said in a statement.
Steffen's contract with Elversberg runs until 2026, and the transfer fee to secure his services is reported to be in the lower six-figure range. Another potential candidate, Lukas Kwasniok, is no longer being considered for the position, according to reports.
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[1] ntv.de[2] ses/dpa/sid[3] Unnamed sources[4] Werder Bremen club announcement
Enrichment Data Relevance: Details regarding Steffen's previous tenure with SV Elversberg, his qualifications, and the reported transfer fee are pertinent to understanding his appointment at Werder Bremen. The information about other potential candidates is useful in providing context and clarifying who Steffen is replacing. The details about Werner's decision and the club's response are also relevant, as they explain the reason for Steffen's appointment. The details about Steffen's contract length and the transfer fee are relevant in understanding the financial aspects of the appointment.
The appointment of Horst Steffen as the new head coach of Werder Bremen could mark a significant period of community aid and aid for the development of the regions, as Steffen demonstrated his regional development skills by elevating SV Elversberg from the Regionalliga Südwest to the 2. Bundesliga in just two years. Although his passion for football and the Bundesliga is evident, given his previous link with 1. FC Köln, sports enthusiasts in Europe might now anticipate Steffen's influential involvement in the European leagues.