Salzburg in front of Europa League duel: Letsch's future on the brink!

Salzburg in front of Europa League duel: Letsch's future on the brink!

The mood at FC Red Bull Salzburg is tense. The team is currently in fifth place in the table and has only won one point in the last three games. With a defeat against Sturm Graz, a draw against the WAC and a disappointing appearance against Blau-Weiß Linz, the gap to the leaders Rapid Vienna has grown to six points. This is particularly bitter because the coming Thursday is the start of the Europa League group phase against FC Porto, which has won all of its six games this season.

Coach Thomas Letsch commented on the overall situation and emphasized that she was not alarming, although the performance was extremely disappointing. Letsch has been under pressure since he took office in January 2025. He had succeeded Pep Lijnders, which was released in autumn 2024. The latter had led the team into a crisis that showed itself not only in the league, but also in the Champions League, where Salzburg lost clearly against Real and Atlético Madrid.

Personal challenges and criticism

At least Letsch was able to reach second place in the league, but so far the current season has brought great disappointments. Critics question his personnel decisions, in particular the non-stop of young star Kerim Alajbegovic, who is considered a great talent. The returnee Stefan Lainer and defense chief Jacob Rasmussen express that the team has lost self -confidence and quality, and injured Valentin Sulzbacher also notices that the players have to find solutions themselves to get out of the crisis.

The mood in the stadium is now shaped by whistles that drown out the applause. The fans are dissatisfied and demand changes - even Letsch's farewell is being discussed. Sports director Rouven Schröder emphasizes that he has experience in crisis situations, but he also cannot stabilize the team. The reinforcement with experienced players has not shown the hoped -for effect, and mistakes such as Rasmussen raise additional questions.

A new plan with old acquaintances

Those responsible at Red Bull Salzburg have now made a decision: Thomas Letsch will not only remain a coach, but also signed a contract by summer 2027. Letsch returns to a club that he already owes a lot. Between 2012 and 2016 he worked in various functions, including as an interim trainer. Managing Director Sport Rouven Schröder focuses on the importance of Letsch's international experience, while Letsch is looking forward to the new challenge.

He is supported by Kai Hesse, a 39-year-old German who takes over the co-trainer role. Letsch's official presentation will take place at the preparation on January 3. It remains to be seen whether the new old trainer can bring the desired upswing, especially in view of the moderate association between trainer changes and the club quality, as a study shows. The challenges are great, but the team under Letsch may have the chance to bring about the turn.

While the questions about the stability of the club and the right decisions in Salzburg may be loud, a holistic strategy could be necessary that goes beyond mere change of coaches to ensure long -term success. At a time at which quick results are often requested, the challenge for Letsch and his team could be greater than ever.