On Monday, FC Red Bull Salzburg parted ways with coach Gerhard Struber – and also presented his successor, Onur Cinel
What had already been hinted at on Monday morning was officially confirmed by Red Bull Salzburg at a press conference at 1pm: The Austrian champions and coach Gerhard Struber are going their separate ways. Following their semi-final exit from the ÖFB Cup, Salzburg are also in danger of missing out on their second national title. With six match days to go, the team from Mozartstadt are tied on points with Sturm Graz for first place in the championship.
“Of course I’m disappointed, especially as everyone knows how special this job in Salzburg was for me. We had to contend with an extraordinary number of challenges this season: after losing a number of key players, we started with an extremely young squad and key players kept getting injured right up to the end. But of course, as coach I take responsibility for the recent negative results,” explained Salzburg-born Struber in a press release.
Salzburg winless three times in a row
Under Struber, who took over as coach at the Salzach from Matthias Jaissle at the end of July, the club, spoiled by success, lacked the dominance of days gone by. Nevertheless, Salzburg put themselves in a good position for the championship final on Easter Sunday with a 1:0 away win at Sturm, but this was followed by three winless games in a row – including the cup semi-final. After the 3:1 defeat at LASK last Friday, the club was finally forced to take action.
“After the development of the last few games and a thorough analysis of the sporting situation, we have come to the conclusion that we need to give the team a new impetus for the championship finale,” said sporting director Bernhard Seonbuchner, explaining the decision. “We are putting all our focus and concentration on staying at the top of the table and bringing the Bundesliga championship title back to Salzburg. “
Cinel takes over until the end of the season
Salzburg are relying on Onur Cinel to save the club from their first title-less season since 2012/2013. The 38-year-old, who is assistant coach to Ralf Rangnick with the Austrian national team, has been installed as interim head coach until the end of the season. “We have to form a strong unit within a very short space of time and need the highest possible level in every training session and in every game so that we can achieve the club’s goal,” said Cinel, who was previously on the sidelines at Salzburg’s partner club Liefering.
“Onur is a proven expert”, said Seonbuchner, “he also knows the way we want to play soccer, which is another reason for this solution”. Cinel will celebrate his debut as Salzburg coach on Sunday in the home match against Austria Klagenfurt. At the end of the season, the 38-year-old will return to Liefering. Until then, Daniel Beichler will take his place on the bench at the second division club
