Three former Bundesliga professionals have found new coaching jobs abroad. They are Timo Schultz, Valerien Ismael and Thorsten Fink.
The Belgian first division club VV St. Truiden continues to rely on the “Made in Germany” seal in the coaching position.
Former Bundesliga professional Thorsten Fink will take over as coach of the outgoing Bernd Hollerbach at the twelfth-placed team in the Jupiler Pro League in the summer. This was officially announced by the club.
For Fink, who had worked for Al-Nasr SC until November 2022, it is the tenth coaching stop in the eighth country. “I am very excited to join STVV and be part of a club with such a rich history and passionate fans,” said the 55-year-old, who brings along Sebastian Hahn as co-coach. The two have formed a tandem for eight years.
And two other former Bundesliga pros have also found new coaching jobs abroad.
Ex-Bayern pro Ismael team manager at Watford
Bayern Munich’s former professional Valerien Ismael will be the new team manager at English second division football club FC Watford. The 47-year-old Frenchman takes over from Chris Wilder, whose contract expires and who missed the play-offs with the Hornets after finishing eleventh in the Championship. Ismael becomes Watford’s tenth team manager since 2018.
“The fact that we were able to sign him back in May makes it easier to plan for the coming season,” said Watford sporting director Ben Manga, praising Ismael’s “vast experience”. The ex-professional was most recently coach at Besiktas Istanbul and previously worked in England at Barnsley FC and West Bromwich Albion.
In Germany, Ismael was in charge of VfL Wolfsburg and 1. FC Nürnberg, among others. As a player, he won the double with Werder Bremen (2004) and Bayern (2006).
Ex-Pauli coach Schultz to Switzerland
Meanwhile, Timo Schultz (45) will take over as coach of FC Basel next season. The club announced that the former coach of second-division club FC St. Pauli will succeed German interim coach and sporting director Heiko Vogel at the Swiss runners-up. The 45-year-old Schultz signed a two-year contract in Basel.
“The talks with all those responsible were very positive and constructive right from the start,” said Schulz: “We have ambitious goals and I feel a great sense of anticipation to tackle them starting next season.” wozi with sid/dpa