Köllner: "It's not about getting some buddies jobs"

Created: 05/15/2022Updated: 05/15/2022, 23:36

By: Uli Kellner

A fivefold Servus: Head of Sport Günther Gorenzel (3rd from right) handed out farewell photos before the game.

The recipients (from left): fitness coach Matthias Luginger, heart muscle patient Keanu Staude, defense chief Stephan Salger, storm talent Tim Linsbichler and assistant trainer Günter Brandl.

© Stefan Matzke / Sampics

For success: Köllner wants to “stop at nothing” and change his staff.

Two coaches leave, while a trio of players remains on hold.

There were no tears, but it was definitely an emotional moment when sports director Günther Gorenzel gathered five departing lions around him before the game, three professionals and two coaches.

It had long been clear that Stephan Salger, Keanu Staude and Tim Linsbichler would leave.

What was surprising, however, was who posed on the far left and far right for the farewell photo: fitness coach Matthias Luginger, 31 – and assistant trainer Günter Brandl, 59, a close confidant of Michael Köllner.

The head coach justified the separations by saying that he would “stop at nothing” when it comes to his goal of promotion in 2023.

"It's not about getting some buddies jobs," said Köllner: "In the end I want to have a strong team - and success." Before that, the question is: "What can the next step look like next year? "

 In the end I want to have a strong team – and success.

1860 coach Michael Koellner.

The fact that Brandl and Luginger are now falling victim to the rebuilding sounds harder than it is.

Köllner speaks of “very difficult decisions”, but presents them as logical steps: “Günter lives outside in the sports school – at almost 60 years old!

If someone planted me in such a small room, I would say: Are you damaged?” And Luginger, whose contract, unlike Brandl, does not expire: “Lugi”, says Köllner, was planning to reorientate himself professionally.

Surprisingly, the 3-2 shooter Merv Biankadi, Richard Neudecker, who had been substituted at the break, and Dennis Dressel, who came on for him, were not dismissed.

Merkur.de knows: With this trio, every turn is conceivable.

Dressel said: "I haven't decided yet." And Neudecker flew with the team to Ballermann on Sunday.

His reason: The Malle trip is not the end, but the beginning of a new season.

After all, who doesn't want to be able to have a say in the funny experiences?