SK Rapid parted ways with its coach Dietmar Kühbauer after a little more than three years. The Viennese officially announced this on Wednesday. The 50-year-old from Burgenland took over the position of head coach at his heart club on October 1, 2018, but was recently stuck in a sporty downward slide. In his place, Thomas Hickersberger and Steffen Hofmann lead the training on an interim basis.
“He (Kühbauer, note) is and remains a model Rapidler, but the current situation literally forces new impulses to be set,” said President Martin Bruckner, explaining the decision. After 14 rounds in the Admiral Bundesliga, the Hütteldorfer are only in seventh place and most recently lost 4-1 at the WAC. In the UEFA Europa League, the chances of advancing after a 3-1 draw at Dinamo Zagreb with two game days to go are very slim.
Kühbauer took over the Rapid position on October 1, 2018, led the Hütteldorfer to second place twice and also qualified twice for the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. It was not until April that his contract was extended by two seasons to 2023. “Didi took over the team in a very precarious situation and, despite the difficult framework conditions, has made significant improvements in all areas, especially in the last twelve months. I’m looking forward to further cooperation, ”said sports director Zoran Barisic, explaining the premature extension of the contract at the time.
“Well-being of the association at the top”
Seven months later, however, the world looks completely different again, especially in the championship the runner-up is not only lagging behind his own claims. “We tried everything to manage this season successfully with the existing coaching team, especially Didi Kühbauer. Every separation is painful because I always keep an eye on the people, regardless of whether you have been personally connected for decades, ”Barisic was quoted as saying on the club’s website.
“In my role, the club’s well-being is the top priority, and unfortunately we have arrived in a situation in which a change in the position of head coach could no longer be averted,” said Barisic. “I very much regret that and would like to express my thanks and appreciation to Kühbauer and of course Manfred Nastl for their commitment personally and on behalf of SK Rapid.”
Barisic emphasized that when asked about his successor as head coach, “the principle of quality over speed applies”. He has options in mind, but out of respect for Kühbauer he doesn’t want to hold talks yet. “Nevertheless, I assume that we will find a solution relatively soon.” The next appearance after the international break will take place on November 20th at home against Altach.
