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Sports director? What ex-Sturm coach Ilzer says

The farewell became official on Friday: Sturm's Christian Ilzer is the new coach at German Bundesliga club Hoffenheim, where the successful Graz coach signed a contract until 2027. A farewell that was anything but easy for the 47-year-old. Ilzer is therefore anything but indifferent to what happens after his time.

Before he took up his post in Hoffenheim on Monday, he thanked the Sturm fans in an emotional farewell speech: "I've always dreaded this day, the last time I'm Sturm coach. It was a great time, I experienced unbelievable support. I never heard a whistle in four and a half years, we didn't win every game, but you always cheered us on and applauded us. You've been an important part of our journey. Thank you!"