by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- After Heidenheim survived two energy-sapping relegation games against second-tier SV Elversberg, coach Frank Schmidt said with a great relief: "From tomorrow on, I disappear, don't call me, don't find me."
While the 51-year-old mentioned returning in a few weeks with recharged batteries, four Bundesliga teams are busy looking for a new manager.
After Bayer Leverkusen sealed a deal with former Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag on Monday, the wheel is turning for RB Leipzig, Werder Bremen, VfL Wolfsburg and FC Augsburg.
Jurgen Klopp, Red Bull's "Global Head of Soccer," has reportedly begun direct talks with Como's Cesc Fabregas.
Leipzig is currently touring Brazil for a league promotion event, with Klopp absent, as the coaching search appears to be the most pressing issue.
Media reports discuss rapid action in Bremen after Ole Werner turned down a contract extension offer, with several media outlets reporting that the club has sacked its coach and is considering Elversberg's Horst Steffen.
The steering positions in Augsburg and Wolfsburg are still unoccupied for now.
Augsburg fired its Danish coach Jess Thorup immediately after the conclusion of the 2024-25 season last week. Former German national team assistant Sandro Wagner is reported to be the successor, and is expected to make progress and enhance the club's reputation following Augsburg's disappointing season.
While Werner might be a candidate for Wolfsburg, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, Fabregas and former Benfica coach Roger Schmidt seem to be other contenders.
Everything should be settled for all teams without coaches by mid-July, when the 2025-26 pre-season preparation begins.
Reports suggest that Fabregas declined Leverkusen's offer, and Wagner turned down a contract from Hoffenheim.
Meanwhile, the competition continues in the Bundesliga, with fans eagerly awaiting positive news for their teams. ■
