Secret storm list

Schicker successor: “I’m ready to work!”

Who will succeed Andreas Schicker as sporting director alongside Thomas Tebbich?(Bild: Sepp Pail)

The first game after Andreas Schicker is the derby against GAK on Saturday (17). His place will remain empty, an unusual picture after four years on the wave of success. At Sturm, the search for a successor to the man from Oberaich is in full swing. A list of possible candidates is being worked through. Will there be a comeback? 

Preparations for the derby have begun! Still without the many team players who were in action on Tuesday evening. And without Arjan Malic, who tore a muscle fiber in the U21 team. The next absence after Gregory Wüthrich and Jon Gorenc Stankovic in defense. Rumors promptly surfaced that Sturm were interested in left-back Andreas Ulmer. However, the Bulls legend, who has been out of work since the summer, would be the complete opposite of the previous transfer policy at 38 years of age. An Ulmer signing is not an issue, the club announced.

Another rumor: Oliver Kreuzer is one of the possible candidates as Schicker's successor. "I haven't received a call," explained the 58-year-old, who already held the role of head of sport at Sturm from 2008 to 2011.

Of course, I still follow Sturm very closely. Andi Schicker has done an outstanding job, leading the club back to the top.

Ex-Sportchef Oliver Kreuzer

Successfully. With Franco Foda, he led the Blacks to cup victory in 2010 and the championship title in 2011.

14 years ago: Oliver Kreuzer with Christian Jauk.(Bild: GEPA)

"I still follow Sturm very closely, of course. Andi Schicker has done an outstanding job, led the club back to the top and made great transfers. His successor certainly has big shoes to fill," emphasized Kreuzer, who is waiting for a new challenge after spells at Karlsruhe, Hamburger SV, 1860 Munich and, most recently, KSC. "The batteries are full, I'm ready to go and I'm keen to work."

Before moving to Sturm, Oliver Kreuzer worked with Lothar Matthäus as assistant coach in Salzburg.(Bild: Joachim Maislinger)

It remains to be seen whether the former Bayern professional is actually on the secret list of candidates that the club's top management is currently working through. Initial talks are already underway with potential sporting directors.