Holger Seitz to take over U23s for a year and then head up Campus

Holger Seitz will be coach of the FC Bayern Munich U23 team for one year, succeeding Sebastian Hoeneß. Seitz led the side into the third tier in May 2019 before being appointed deputy sporting director for the FC Bayern Campus. FC Bayern board member for sport Hasan Salihamidžić and Jochen Sauer, head of the FC Bayern Campus, have agreed that Seitz will take over the sporting management of the Campus from summer 2021, filling the position that Hermann Gerland has held since 2017. Gerland, 66, will then concentrate on his position as first team assistant coach to Hansi Flick.

Hasan Salihamidžić explained: “After we allowed Sebastian Hoeneß to continue his development as coach of TSG Hoffenheim, we were looking for a coach in the short run who knows our system of play, our club and the Campus. Holger was the predecessor to Sebastian and now his successor. We think that’s a very good arrangement. We’re grateful to Holger Seitz that he’s now continuing his coaching work before taking over the sporting management of our Campus.”

Jochen Sauer said: “As a third-division team, the FC Bayern U23s are a very important training school and shop window for our youngsters. It reduces the distance to the first team for our talents. In Hermann Gerland we already have the ideal point of contact in Hansi Flick’s coaching staff.”

Seitz had his first training session with the U23 squad on Monday, with the third division season beginning on the weekend of 18/19 September.

“When Hasan and Jochen came to me with the request to take over the U23 team, it didn’t entirely catch me by surprise,” said Seitz. “Of course, I’ll do it for one season with all my heart. The third division is a demanding task, and I’m now looking forward to working with the players.”

Seitz joined FC Bayern in 2015, initially coaching the U19 side and then the U17s. He reached the final of the German championship with both teams, before taking over the U23s for the 2018/19 season.