Erzgebirge Aue will need a new coach in the summer. Analysis has shown that a new approach is needed.

This comes as a surprise: Pavel Dotchev has been the coach of third division club Erzgebirge Aue since December 7, 2022. He coached the “Veilchen” in 169 games – at the end of the season – it is now certain – the paths will part.

Aue is having a decent season, despite a budget reduction after 14 match days, it is in sixth place. However, the club has a different vision of the future, as it has now announced.

As a result, Dotchev has to leave at the end of the season. The board of directors, supervisory board and management of the Aue team had previously dealt intensively with the latest developments, the sporting perspective and the future direction, analyzed the current situation and made the decision.

Roland Frötschner
“Of course we know that we have Pavel Dotchev to thank for a lot. He led the team out of the basement during a difficult phase two years ago and played a major role in establishing the team in the top third of the 3rd division. It is no coincidence that Pavel Dotchev has been on the sidelines as a coach for FCE 169 times in three terms of office, more often than at any other club. That is why it was so important to us to play with an open hand with this great personality. Fairness required us to have clarity for the coach, the team and the club before the winter break by being open,” explains Aue President Roland Frötschner.

Now the question arises: will the coach and team pull it off or will the coach become a burden after the decision has been made?

Aue’s sports director Matthias Heidrich assumes that the planning security communicated at an early stage with the head coach, staff and team will once again sharpen the senses. “We all have the same goal: to successfully continue the current season and finish in the best possible way. With the current announcement of the decision taken, we have prevented any disruption and contractual uncertainty in the decisive phase in spring. From now on, we will all work together to give Pavel Dotchev the most dignified farewell possible. He has more than earned it.”