RB Salzburg Considers Hoffenheim’s Andreas Schicker for Sporting Director Role

Since Rouven Schröder, the former sporting director of RB Salzburg, has taken on a role at Borussia Mönchengladbach, the Austrian club has been in the hunt for a suitable successor. Stephan Reiter, managing director of Salzburg, has confirmed that Andreas Schicker, the sporting director of Hoffenheim, is among the candidates being considered.

Schicker, who previously served as the sporting director for Sturm Graz before joining Hoffenheim just over a year ago, has not hidden his potential return to Austria. Various German football news outlets suggest that his move to Salzburg may be imminent, raising the question of timing.

The current administrative instability at Hoffenheim likely weighs heavily on Schicker’s mind. At 39, he may be looking to depart Sinsheim before he, too, becomes ensnared in the unpredictable dynamics orchestrated by the club’s patron, Dietmar Hopp. Reliable sources, including Kicker, indicate that Schicker has already engaged in discussions about a prospective move to Salzburg with Jürgen Klopp, RB’s Head of Global Soccer.

In a recent civil trial, Schicker testified in favor of certain Hoffenheim officials who sought to bar Hopp’s controversial associate, Roger Wittmann, from the Pre-Zero Arena. With Hopp now firmly allied with Wittmann, Schicker has ample justification to seek a new opportunity.

“There are several candidates, and Mr. Schicker is certainly one of them,” Reiter stated in an interview with Sky Austria over the weekend. “Andreas has an impressive track record in Austria, having led Sturm to a championship title and gained significant experience with young players. His ability to manage talent is evident, and he has played a crucial role in stabilizing Hoffenheim.”