Comes unexpectedly

Coach Liese Brancao leaves SKN St. Pölten

Liese Brancao leaves St. Pölten.(Bild: GEPA)

A bang for the buck at Austrian women's soccer champions SKN St. Pölten: Head coach Liese Brancao is leaving the "Wolves" after eight years with immediate effect. The Champions League match against Swedish champions Hammarby on Wednesday (1:2) was her last game with the double winners.

"Liese approached us with a request to terminate her contract," sports director Tanja Schulte was quoted as saying in a club statement. "We have complied with this."

Not an easy decision
Both sides were of the opinion that the time had come for change, said Schulte. "Of course, the decision was not an easy one." Brancao has been on the SKN bench for 229 games since 2016. Seven league and six cup titles were the result. Most recently, there have been three Champions League appearances in a row, with no points gained in six group games in the top flight this year.

"Incredibly proud"
"I'm incredibly proud of everything we've achieved here together - both on and off the pitch," said the Brazilian. "I would like to say 'thank you' to my team, but also to the entire team for many very special moments," said Brancao, who is currently completing her UEFA Pro License training. She will also be leaving the club with assistant coach Andreas Biritz.

Liese Brancao(Bild: GEPA)

It is not yet clear who will succeed Brancao. "The first talks are already underway," said sports director Schulte. On January 7, the SKN women will start their preparations for the spring season. The goals remain the same as under Brancao: the double defense.