Felix Magath Expresses Interest in Coaching Werder Bremen

Felix Magath, the seasoned German head coach, has once again positioned himself as a contender for an available coaching role. At 72 years old, he is prepared to take the helm at his former club, Werder Bremen, should the opportunity arise.

In a media briefing following the dismissal of Horst Steffen, Werder Bremen’s licensing chief, Clemens Fritz, made it clear that the club intends to pursue an external candidate, diverging from the interim appointments made by other Bundesliga teams this season, such as Borussia Mönchengladbach, VfL Wolfsburg, and Augsburg. Notably, Eintracht Frankfurt opted for the relatively unknown Albert Riera.

Like Bayer Leverkusen and Mainz, Werder Bremen is seeking a coach with a solid track record. Although Magath successfully helped Hertha BSC avoid relegation during his last coaching tenure, his earlier stint at Bremen as a “Feuerwehrmann” ended with him being replaced by the club’s legendary coach, Thomas Schaaf, during the 1998/99 season.

Fritz articulated the club’s vision, stating, “The goal is clearly an external solution. We understand our needs and require an experienced individual who comprehends the current situation.”

Magath’s name has been frequently mentioned since Hertha’s recent escape from relegation, with his candidacy emerging whenever former clubs such as Wolfsburg, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Schalke, Frankfurt, and Nürnberg have sought new coaches.

Currently, Magath serves as a sporting director at Viktoria Aschaffenburg, a club known for nurturing talents like German phenom Lennart Karl. He referenced a recent statement from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, expressing his readiness to contribute to Werder Bremen’s success.

“Our chancellor says we should work more,” Magath conveyed to RTL. “I am eager to make myself available, asserting, ‘I want to work more.’ I have always believed I can assist any Bundesliga club. Although I may not be as fit as I was 40 years ago, I maintain a clear mind, and I am open to the prospect.”

GGFN | Peter Weis