Arminia Bielefeld will start with a new managing director of sport after their relegation to the 3. Liga. The East Westphalians made the announcement on Wednesday (7 June).

Michael Mutzel, whose name had already been circulating in the media for a few days as the new managing director of sport at Arminia Bielefeld, was also officially presented in this role one day after the East Westphalians’ relegation was sealed.

“I would like to thank all those responsible for the trust they have placed in me and I am approaching the task with great pleasure and conviction,” the 43-year-old ex-professional Mutzel was quoted as saying on taking office. “Together with our members, fans, committees, partners and our strong environment as well as our teams on and off the pitch, I want to work successfully for Arminia Bielefeld. I am looking positively ahead and will immediately tackle our challenges with full commitment.”

His first professional stop as a player was Eintracht Frankfurt before moving to VfB Stuttgart in the summer of 2002 after three years. Mutzel played there until 2004, then moved to Karlsruher SC for the next seven years, where he also captained the team. He ended his active career in the 2011/12 season with VfL Wolfsburg II.

Afterwards, the A-licence holder joined the youth department of TSG Hoffenheim in the summer of 2012, where he initially acted as co-trainer before taking over as the TSG’s NLZ director in April 2013. SpVgg. Greuther Fürth hired Michael Mutzel as the responsible sports director in December 2014, and he took over the entire management of the scouting department at TSG Hoffenheim in February 2016. At his last stop so far, Mutzel worked as sports director for Hamburger SV since 1 April 2019.

Michael Mutzel has many years of experience in professional football in various functions and positions. He will bring his expertise and his network to bear in order to successfully shape the new sporting set-up for Arminia Bielefeld.

Hartmut Ostrowski

“Michael Mutzel’s personality and expertise completely convinced us in all discussions,” explained Hartmut Ostrowski, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DSC Arminia Bielefeld GmbH & Co KGaA. “From the very beginning, we sensed how much he is burning for the task at Arminia Bielefeld, regardless of league affiliation. As the supervisory board, we look forward to working with him and see the challenging tasks for Arminia in good hands with him and Christoph Wortmann as managing directors. Michael Mutzel has many years of experience in professional football in various functions and positions. He will bring his expertise and his network to bear in order to successfully shape the sporting realignment for Arminia Bielefeld. “