VfB Friedrichshafen announced that they will not be renewing the contract of head coach Mark Lebedew at the end of the current season. This decision was made mutually between the club and the Australian expert, who has been at the helm for three seasons. The decision not to extend Lebedew’s contract comes as the club plans to overhaul its sporting direction.
Under Lebedew’s guidance, VfB Friedrichshafen faced several challenges, including navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic and dealing with venue issues, notably spending a season at the Neu-Ulm ratiopharm arena. Despite these obstacles, Lebedew led the team to a cup victory in 2022, earning gratitude from the club’s management. “We are very grateful to Mark, also for rewarding himself with a cup victory in 2022,” stated VfB managing director Thilo Späth-Westerholt. He expressed confidence in Lebedew’s continued success in his future endeavors.
Lebedew, 56, will remain in charge until the end of the season, aiming to lead his team to the finals of the German Championship, where they are currently in the semifinals. “Regardless of this decision, we will continue to work meticulously to successfully conclude this season,” Lebedew affirmed, emphasizing his commitment to finishing strong.
The search for Lebedew’s successor is underway, with the club setting specific requirements for the new head coach. “We have a clear idea of the direction we want to develop and have set corresponding requirements,” Späth-Westerholt said. However, the club intends to take its time to ensure the right decision is made, promising to announce a new head coach in due course.
