Gerhard Struber has reacted to his departure from Salzburg in an Instagram post – and also referred to the criticism of recent months
For Gerhard Struber, his stint at Red Bull Salzburg ended in bitter disappointment. After less than a year, the 47-year-old was dismissed on Monday during the current season – since the beginning of the RB era in 2005, only Huub Stevens (2011) and Peter Zeidler (2015) had suffered this fate. Struber’s downfall was ultimately the Cup exit against Sturm Graz and two winless games (1:1 against Rapid, 1:3 against LASK) in the league, which also jeopardized the last goal of the season, the championship
There was no major criticism of the change of coach to Onur Cinel, who is now set to lead Salzburg to their eleventh league title in a row as interim coach, after Struber’s departure. The Kuchler did not enjoy a very high standing among the supporters, which Struber referred to in a personal Instagram post on Monday evening. “Dear fans, some of you are probably glad that I’m gone,” wrote Struber, “but I would still like to say a few words to you as a farewell.”
Struber misses two goals of the season – the third is also in danger
“When I came back to Salzburg last summer, it was one of the greatest moments of my coaching life: Champions League and that in my footballing home – where it all began for me as a coach,” Struber alluded to his time in the RB academy and at Liefering. The 47-year-old only narrowly missed out on the goal of a European winter with Salzburg on the last CL matchday due to a 3:1 defeat against Benfica Lisbon. Nevertheless, the bottom line is that Struber failed to meet two of his three targets (European Cup in the spring and the league title) and the third (league title) is in acute danger with six matchdays to go. The subscription champions are still top of the table, but only because of their better record in the direct duels with Sturm.
Struber also attributed the comparatively disastrous season of the success-accustomed Croesus to external circumstances: “With a major upheaval like the one in the summer, there are setbacks, resistance, hurdles and challenges. Especially with such a young and newly formed team and after changes in the club’s sporting management. Reshaping everything takes a certain amount of time – but that’s rare in soccer.” Despite his dismissal, he looks back on his time in Salzburg with gratitude. “Even if it hurts a lot at the moment. “
