The Munich “Lions” are bringing in a seasoned veteran to steer their promotion charge. Markus Kauczinski, a 55-year-old coach with a proven track record, is set to take the helm of the third-division football club starting next Monday. He’ll be joined by a familiar support staff, including Markus Brzenska and Nico Masetzky as assistant coaches, Philipp Kunz as the athletics coach, and René Vollath as the goalkeeping coach.
Kauczinski expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, In my previous positions I was able to get to know the work in large, traditional clubs. I’m now really looking forward to the task at TSV 1860 Munich.
He emphasized the immediate focus on identifying and leveraging the team’s strengths, aiming to send them into their upcoming home match against MSV Duisburg with confidence and thorough preparation.
His coaching journey began in the youth system of FC Schalke 04. Kauczinski has a history of success in the third division, having led Karlsruher SC to a championship in the 2012/13 season and narrowly missing out on promotion to the Bundesliga in 2014/15. His coaching resume also includes stints with FC Ingolstadt 04, FC st. Pauli, and most recently, Dynamo Dresden. In 2022/23, he guided SV Wehen Wiesbaden to promotion to the second league via a dramatic relegation playoff against Arminia Bielefeld.
A Tough Debut Against the league Leaders
Interim managing director Manfred Paula welcomed the appointment,noting,I am very pleased that,after intensive coordination with both shareholders,we can present a new head coach who is recognized by everyone involved as the best person for TSV 1860 Munich.
The Lions are in a precarious position, having secured only one point from their last five matches, with four losses and a draw. Kauczinski faces the immediate challenge of arresting this slide to keep their promotion hopes alive. The team currently sits in 13th place, and the gap to the promotion spots is widening. His debut match on October 19th presents a daunting task, as TSV 1860 Munich will face league leaders MSV Duisburg.
This coaching change comes after the club parted ways with coach Patrick Glöckner. Alper Kayabunar, the coach of the club’s Bayernliga team, stepped in as interim manager for two matches. His tenure concluded with a 1-0 loss to SV Wehen Wiesbaden on Sunday, following a 2-2 draw against Viktoria Köln. The club has also seen managing director Christian Werner depart, with plans to restructure management roles and appoint a commercial manager. Furthermore, the club is actively seeking to fill the positions of sports director and technical director, signaling a broader organizational overhaul.
