New WSG coach

Is this the new man for Wattens?

New in Wattens: Philipp Semlic (41)(Bild: GEPA pictures)

After eleven years with Thomas Silberberger, Bundesliga club WSG Tirol has a new coach - and it is 41-year-old Philipp Semlic. The Styrian made a name for himself at Lafnitz, had been at St. Pölten since the start of the year and resigned at the beginning of May.

At 2pm on Wednesday at the Gernot-Langes-Stadion in Wattens, a long-kept Tirol soccer secret will be revealed: 41-year-old Philipp Semlic is the successor to Thomas Silberberger at WSG Tirol, who has stepped down as coach of the Bundesliga club after eleven years.

Philipp how?

Born in Styria, he is still a rather unknown quantity in this country. His last job was at second-division club St. Pölten, where his collaboration came to an abrupt end at the beginning of May after four months and just 11 games. A misunderstanding - in the literal sense.

The new coach should have proven his ability, speak good German and know his way around the local professional soccer scene.

Das Anforderungsprofil von WSG-Sportdirektor Stefan Köck

However, Semlic had previously made a name for himself at Lafnitz. He worked there for three and a half years in League Two from January 2020. He achieved a good points average of 1.56 in 110 games. In comparison: Silberberger achieved an average of 1.53 in 378 games during his era at WSG.

Born in Styria, he is the classic type of modern coach who relies heavily on modern tools for analysis and planning. However, the top division is still new territory for the 41-year-old, who has yet to play a single match in the Bundesliga.

110 games at Lafnitz with a points average of 1.56(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Nevertheless, he must have been extremely convincing in talks with Stefan Köck. After all, the list of interested parties that the WSG sporting director has had to deal with since Silbi announced his departure was quite long. Even if the Wattener are not exactly financially bedded on roses, a place on a Bundesliga coach's bench is highly coveted. Köck's favorite candidates (Thomas Grumser, Zoran Barisic) had turned down - that's how he came across the Bundesliga newcomers while scouting.