A proposal from the German Bundesliga membership Hoffenheim to lure the Styrian to Sinsheim had beforehand grow to be public. Schicker justified his rejection with the “monumental incentive” that competing within the upcoming Champions League would offer. His contract with Sturm runs till summer time 2026.
“Everybody who is aware of me is aware of how a lot I determine with SK Sturm and the trail we took right here 4 years in the past. Nevertheless it has by no means been a secret in latest months and years that there was repeated curiosity in me personally – which I see as an honor for Sturm Graz and the work that everybody right here within the membership does,” Schicker was quoted as saying in a press launch. By committing to the membership, he now desires to “create readability early on for myself, my membership and all potential events.”
Hoffenheim is alleged to have made Schicker a proposal to tackle the position of sporting director even earlier than the Graz crew was topped champion.
Photograph gallery: Championship celebration for double winner Sturm in Graz
(Photograph: ERWIN SCHERIAU (APA)) Bild 1/51
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Within the months earlier than, Werder Bremen had already been talked about as a potential future employer for the Styrian. Schicker is taken into account the architect of the profitable Sturm crew below Christian Ilzer. Schicker stated final summer time that he could be fascinated about enjoying in Germany. “In the long run, it’s my aim to work for a membership within the German Bundesliga,” he stated on the time.
The trail to Hoffenheim – seventh final season – was paved, and Schicker was thought of absolutely the most popular candidate of patron Dietmar Hopp. Nonetheless, TSG followers instructed the Styrian within the final recreation of the season that they weren’t welcome at Hoffenheim. The choice to go to Sturm now might produce other causes, nonetheless. The aptitude of the premier league of soccer additionally attracts the ex-professional.
“One factor is for certain: we’ve constructed one thing nice collectively right here in Graz, I really feel very snug right here and can due to this fact proceed to provide all the pieces for SK Sturm with full conviction. The truth that we might be enjoying within the Champions League subsequent season is in fact additionally an enormous incentive,” stated Schicker. He nonetheless has huge targets for the membership, and his ambition for the upcoming duties “couldn’t be larger.”
Photograph gallery: Sturm Graz gained fourth championship title in membership historical past
(Photograph: GEPA footage/ Hans Oberlaender (GEPA footage)) Bild 1/18
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Schicker succeeded Günter Kreissl at Sturm in Could 2020 and put in Ilzer as head coach on the time. The duo completed third with Sturm (2020/21), first to chase Salzburg (2021/22, 2022/23), Europa League regulars (2021, 2022, 2023), Cup winners (2023), Convention League spherical of 16 contributors (2024) and now double winners with a ticket to the Champions League. The “Blackies” raked in tens of millions by way of the gross sales of fortunate finds Rasmus Höjlund (20 million euros), Emanuel Emegha (13.0) and Kelvin Yeboah (5.25).
Sturm’s president Christian Jauk noticed the curiosity within the sports activities director as “pure in soccer” given the membership’s success. The discussions with Schicker in latest weeks have at all times been open and mutually appreciative. Jauk: “We’re all completely happy that Andreas Schicker has determined to remain at SK Sturm and collectively we’re extraordinarily motivated for the duties forward.”
