SV Werder Bremen have appointed Thomas Schaaf as the club’s new technical director for next season. The long-time head coach of the Green-Whites from 1999 to 2013, who also won the double in 2004, signed his contract this Sunday, which will bring him back to the club in his new role from 1st July 2018.
General manager Frank Baumann has attached great importance to the new role and to Thomas Schaaf returning to the club in his new function. “In the last months we have put our professional and development structures under the microscope and have arranged them for the future. Thomas Schaaf in this position will be key in dovetailing between the professional and development sectors. I am really pleased, therefore, that we have been able to recrute a footballing expert with such experience,“ said Baumann.
Thomas Schaaf, who celebrates his 57th birthday on Monday, said ahead of his comeback to the club, “I’m looking forward to working with Frank Baumann and the rest of the great people at the club. We want to establish a sustainable development programme on a world-class level. I consider it a step forward with vision and I am highly motivated to offer my expertise to this project.”
Head coach Florian Kohfeldt also welcomed the decision and Schaaf’s return to the club, “I’m sure that I will seek his guidance, even though his day-to-day role is not centred on the first team. He is a charismatic person with lots of professional experience. I am really pleased that he has returned to the club.”
The tasks of the technical director have been discussed in the last few weeks. Thomas Schaaf will be responsible for the continuing development and implementation of a uniform training structure and footballing philosophy. The technical director will head up the chain of command in the Werder academy, to whom coaches Thomas Wolter, Heiko Flottmann and Thorsten Bolder will report. Thomas Schaaf will work together with Thomas Wolter, as those responsible for the Top-Talent concept and will act as a mentor for coaches in the academy. Furthermore the technical director will ensure a regular analysis of top-level European football.
