Resignation of Jürgen Werner as Austria Vienna Sports Director

As Austria Wien announced on Wednesday, Jürgen Werner resigned as sports director at his own request and with immediate effect. "This was the result of discussions within the club management regarding the future strategic direction of Austria Wien," it said in a statement. The Upper Austrian will now focus on his role as an investor and co-shareholder with the Violets.

Jürgen Werner wants to relieve pressure from Wiener Austria with resignation as sports director

"I believe that in the current phase of the club, it is the right step to withdraw as sports director and thus relieve the pressure from the team and the club. Austria Wien has developed into a heartfelt project, to which I will remain closely connected in my role as an investor and co-shareholder," Werner was quoted in a release. Finance chief Harald Zagiczek will remain the sole director for the time being and will take over the overall responsibility of FK Austria Wien AG.

The club emphasized that now "the basis for a sustainable structure in sports" should be created. "The resulting outcomes regarding conception and structure will be presented subsequently." Werner announced that he would hand over his responsibilities in the coming days within the existing structures to sports director Manuel Ortlechner. "Afterwards, I will try to gain a little distance, but of course still be available with advice and support," said the 63-year-old. He also expressed confidence that Austria would manage to turn around in the current crisis. "We have assembled a strong squad that has not yet been able to realize its potential, but I have full confidence in the team."

Austria suffered their third consecutive league defeat on Sunday with a 1-3 home loss to Hartberg and is currently second to last in the table with only one point from four rounds. In the stands, the violet supporters loudly demanded Werner's departure. Kurt Gollowitzer thanked Werner for his commitment and paid him respect. "Withdrawing as sports director to relieve pressure from the team is unusual in the industry, but it shows his human greatness," said the Austria president. "Without Jürgen and many other supporters, Austria Wien would not have had the opportunity to survive economically."

Future of Austria-Wien coach Helm unclear

Werner joined Austria at the beginning of 2022 with the investor group WTF, saving the club from financial collapse. A year later, he was appointed sports director of the Violets. Behind the scenes, there is ongoing unrest at the Violets, with a power struggle between the group around the former player agent Werner and wealthy Austria patrons on the other side.

Stephan Helm, on the other hand, will also be on the violet coach's bench on Sunday in the last home game before the international break against Altach. The club confirmed this upon APA request. Afterwards, the situation will be re-evaluated. According to media reports, former LASK coach Markus Schopp, who still has a contract with the Linzers until 2027 after his dismissal in April, could be a possible successor candidate.

(APA/Red)

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