Hertha BSC’s search for a new managing director has hit a snag with Alexander Rosen, the former sporting director of TSG Hoffenheim, reportedly withdrawing his candidacy. According to information obtained by the German Press Agency (dpa), Rosen is currently unavailable due to other commitments, despite being contacted by the Berlin-based second-division club. The "Bild" newspaper had also previously reported on Hertha’s interest in the 46-year-old executive. The club, however, has maintained a policy of not commenting publicly on its ongoing personnel search.
The club is actively seeking a replacement for current managing director Thomas Herrich, whose tenure with the capital club will conclude at the end of the current season. Following another failed attempt to secure promotion back to the Bundesliga, Hertha BSC is undertaking a significant restructuring of its sports leadership. This overhaul also includes the departure of Andreas Neuendorf, the head of the club’s academy.
The search for Herrich’s successor has been a protracted process, with several names being considered and then seemingly discarded. For a considerable period, Jonas Boldt, the former executive at Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburger SV, was considered the frontrunner for the position. However, discussions with Boldt apparently stalled, and the club moved on to other potential candidates.
More recently, reports have surfaced linking Jochen Sauer, the current academy director at Bayern Munich, to the Hertha BSC job. Sauer is a familiar face at the club, having previously worked for Hertha earlier in his career. His potential return would be seen as a move to bring in someone with a deep understanding of the club’s culture and history.
In addition to Sauer, Rachid Azzouzi, who recently held a sporting director role at SpVgg Greuther Fürth, has also been mentioned in media reports as a potential candidate. Azzouzi’s experience in German football management makes him a viable option for Hertha as they look to rebuild.
The withdrawal of Alexander Rosen from the race further complicates the situation for Hertha BSC. Rosen’s departure from Hoffenheim just before the start of the current season came as a surprise to many in the football world. He had been a key figure at the club for several years, overseeing a period of relative success, including qualification for European competitions. Currently, Rosen is reportedly working in an advisory role within international football, suggesting that he may be exploring opportunities beyond traditional club management.
The club’s need for a new managing director is pressing. Herrich’s departure marks the end of an era, and Hertha BSC requires a strong leader to guide them through a challenging period. The club’s financial situation remains precarious, and the failure to secure promotion to the Bundesliga has only exacerbated these concerns.
The new managing director will be tasked with a range of responsibilities, including overseeing the club’s finances, managing its commercial operations, and working closely with the sporting director and head coach to ensure that the team is competitive on the field.
The ideal candidate will possess a combination of financial acumen, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the German football landscape. They will also need to be able to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders, including the club’s board, its fans, and its sponsors.
The departure of Andreas Neuendorf as head of the academy also represents a significant change for Hertha BSC. The academy is a vital part of the club’s long-term strategy, providing a pipeline of young talent to the first team. Neuendorf’s departure leaves a void that the club will need to fill quickly. The academy needs a strong leader who can continue to develop young players and ensure that they are ready to make the step up to professional football.
The ongoing search for a new managing director and academy head highlights the challenges facing Hertha BSC as they attempt to rebuild and return to the Bundesliga. The club’s fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of success on the field, and they are demanding change. The club’s leadership is under immense pressure to make the right decisions and to guide Hertha BSC back to its former glory.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Hertha BSC as they continue their search for a new managing director. The club needs to act decisively and appoint someone who can bring stability, leadership, and a clear vision for the future. The appointment of the right person could be the catalyst that Hertha BSC needs to turn its fortunes around. However, if the club makes the wrong choice, it could face even more difficult times ahead. The pressure is on for Hertha BSC.
