Schöttel heir: How the ÖFB seeks a sports director – Pröll sets brief
The Lower Austrian board chairman Josef Pröll of the ÖFB wants to appoint the successor to Peter Schöttel still this year, he said on Monday. The 58‑year‑old Pröll announced that the executives Thomas Hollerer and Bernhard Neuhold are currently developing a job profile. To listen to this article, you need a KURIER subscription.
Job profile and sought candidate
Pröll emphasizes that a clear job profile is necessary. The search for the new sports director of the football association is to be completed still this year. He said: “We need a profile and the best person,” without speculation about possible candidates. Regarding how the selection should take place, Pröll stresses that the candidates must convince on a personal, professional and human level.
The profile is to be designed “rather open,” Pröll explains. The focus is on personality structure, Austrian knowledge without limiting the nationality, willingness to shape, the ability to bring people together, and management strengths.
Selection process and participants
The decision is made by a working group, which besides Pröll, the executives Thomas Hollerer and Bernhard Neuhold also includes the board chairman’s deputy Johannes Wutzlhofer and Philip Thonhauser. An external headhunter may be brought in to identify suitable candidates. The working group will ultimately decide on the appointment.
The job will not be advertised publicly, Pröll explains. Instead, they will actively approach interesting individuals and are open to unsolicited applications. Team coach Ralf Rangnick is also involved in the decision‑making process, whose sporting competence is valued.
Schöttel legacy
Rangnick emphasized that he had not been involved in the decision to part ways with Peter Schöttel. “The theory that we did not understand each other is nonsense,” he said, referring to the trusted collaboration with Schöttel.
Pröll praised Schöttel for his empathetic handling of the ÖFB’s staff. At the same time, they have come to the realization that the association needs new impulses. Who takes on the role will be decided by the working group.