FC Hansa Rostock has parted ways with coach Bernd Hollerbach after a disappointing start to the season, leaving the team at the bottom of the third division table with only two wins. The decision, made after an analysis of the team’s performance, aims to provide new momentum. Assistant coaches Simon Pesch and Marcus Rabenhorst will temporarily lead the team. Hollerbach expressed regret over his departure, believing in the squad’s potential to improve.
FC Hansa Rostock has parted ways with head coach Bernd Hollerbach, as announced by the club on Thursday. Hollerbach, who joined the team in June, will be replaced by assistant coaches Simon Pesch and Marcus Rabenhorst, who will oversee the upcoming match against Rot-Weiß Essen this Saturday.
The decision follows a comprehensive review of the team’s performance thus far, with the club’s management expressing doubts about any immediate improvement under Hollerbach’s leadership. FC Hansa stated, “We must provide the team with new motivation, which led to the decision to dismiss the head coach.” Sporting director Amir Shapourzadeh emphasized that this decision aligns with the club’s best interests.
Struggles Following Defeats Against Aachen and Saarbrücken
Currently sitting at the bottom of the table with only two victories in eleven matches, the team struggled significantly, having lost their last two games against Alemannia Aachen and 1. FC Saarbrücken.
In the match against Saarbrücken, the club faced its fifth defeat of the season, which kept them firmly in the relegation zone.
Hollerbach took over the coaching role in the summer, succeeding Mersad Selimbegovic, who was unable to prevent relegation. During his introduction, CEO Jürgen Wehlend cautioned fans against having high expectations for immediate results.
Hollerbach dealt with substantial changes, with 20 players exiting the team and 13 new recruits coming in. Before the season started, he voiced concerns about the squad size, and under his management, the team secured just two wins—a 4-1 victory over Unterhaching and a 2-1 win in Aue—leading to dwindling confidence in his approach.
Low Goal Scoring Record
One major issue has been the attack’s effectiveness, with the team managing only twelve goals in eleven league matches. Notably, only Aachen has a lower goal tally, though they currently sit in eighth place.
As the Hollerbach era concludes, he expressed regret about his departure, stating, “I gave my all with great passion to help the team return to form. I believe there is significant potential within the squad, and they will soon find success.”
Pesch and Rabenhorst Step In Temporarily
For the time being, assistant coaches Simon Pesch and Marcus Rabenhorst will lead training, with plans for them to manage the home match against Rot-Weiß Essen. Shapourzadeh conveyed full confidence in their ability to guide the team, given their familiarity with the players.
Board chairman Wehlend indicated that the next steps for the club’s future would be discussed with the supervisory board, emphasizing a careful approach to selecting the next coach. Shapourzadeh reiterated that the club is actively searching for a suitable replacement but is not in a rush to make hasty decisions.
In other news, the club has communicated to its members the loss of its main sponsor, Splendid Drinks, as ongoing challenges continue for the third-division club.
FC Hansa is now tasked with addressing both sporting and public relations challenges and striving to ensure the safety and security of its environment.
The 43-year-old interim manager, who has been away due to health issues, expressed surprise at the recent decision regarding Hollerbach.
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Nordmagazin | 24.10.2024 | 19:30