Vienna Austria and Sporting Director Ortlechner Part Ways

Ortlechner was released with immediate effect as part of the strategic planning for the sporting future, according to Wiener Austria on Tuesday. The former professional had been working as the sports director for the Violets for nearly four and a half years.

Wiener Austria aims to "set a new impulse" with the separation from sports director Ortlechner

"After the resignation of Jürgen Werner as sports board member and a comprehensive analysis, we saw the need to set a new impulse in the sports management," said board member Harald Zagiczek in a club statement. Michael Wagner has already been active as a member of the club's supervisory board in recent years. The 49-year-old has long been considered a candidate for a position in sports management. The Viennese has no experience as a sports director at this level to show.

Wagner to implement strategy paper at Wiener Austria

Wagner spoke of a very appealing new task. "The club knows, based on the strategic orientation, where it wants to go and how it wants to get there. I can identify with this path one hundred percent and want to further develop this approach together," said the new sports director.

The currently sole acting board member Zagiczek reported on a developed strategy paper. A key point in it is a balanced squad structure. The permeability to the professional sector is to be increased, with young players being used more frequently. Currently, Austria's starting eleven primarily consists of established forces. In the 2:1 win against GAK last weekend, the starting eleven had an average age of 29.2 years.

"We will need young, talented homegrown players just as much as benchmark players in their prime football age, as well as anchor players who can lead a team - it only works together," said Wagner. He emphasized that there are numerous players in the current team who fulfill these roles very well. "But it is also clear that we are talking about a long-term plan here, which will not take effect overnight."

More Focus of Wiener Austria on Their Own Youth

Wagner's first task is to build a sports directorate that is closely connected with the Young Violets, the academy, and the women's section. President Kurt Gollowitzer cited the successes in the youth sector with the championship titles of the U16 and U18. "It is clear to everyone in the club that our homegrown players must be an important cornerstone of the first team in the future." Wagner knows the club "inside and out" and is a true Austrian. "We are convinced that he brings all the competencies needed to lead Austria into a positive sporting future," said Gollowitzer.

Ortlechner has been working as a sports director at Austria since summer 2021. The former defender - champion with Austria in 2013 - did not have the easiest task with the debt-ridden Favoriten. The 45-year-old often acted as the spokesperson for the sports management under Werner. As an "Austria legend," the native Upper Austrian remains a welcome guest, emphasized Gollowitzer.

(APA/Red)

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