Former Germany, Liverpool star Markus Babbel unveiled as new Western Sydney Wanderers coach
THE Wanderers have made the first major marquee signing of the new A-League season and it comes in the form of their head coach.
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IT was Tomi Juric and the Red and Black Bloc that helped sell the Wanderers to new coach Markus Babbel.
In a huge coup for Western Sydney, the former German international and Liverpool star was announced as the club’s head coach for the next three seasons, taking over from the sacked Josep Gombau.
Babbel first met with Wanderers chairman Paul Lederer and CEO John Tsatsimas in Germany two weeks ago, then flew into Sydney for a whirlwind 24 hours yesterday to be introduced via a media conference.
As well as boasting a decorated playing career, Babbel also has an impressive managerial record having coached Stuttgart, Hertha BSC and 1899 Hoffenheim in the German Bundesliga.
But more recently the 45-year-old was at the helm of Swiss club FC Luzern, where Juric now plays, and it was the former Wanderers striker who told Babbel of the passionate supporters in Western Sydney.
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After spending four years in Switzerland, Babbel said he’s looking forward to Western Sydney’s loud fans.
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“Tomi Juric was telling me the crowds are totally crazy and after Switzerland, of course it was a good time there, but the supporters are very quiet and not so many in the stadium,” Babbel said.
“Now, I’m really looking forward to good support, especially for us to see what is possible for the team.”
Last season was a difficult one on the field, with the Wanderers finishing outside of the top six, but also off it with a strained relationship between the RBB and the club.
The active support group went so far as to boycott the Wanderers’ final two games of the season.
Tsatsimas said Babbel’s arrival would get the club back where it should be.
“An amazing appointment for us and we believe our club will make significant inroads in where it needs to be with Markus at the helm,” he said.
Despite spending his entire career in Europe, both as a player with Bayern Munich, Stuttgart and Liverpool, and as a manager, Babbel said it was an easy decision to pack up and relocate to Sydney.
Markus Babbel, new @wswanderersfc coach! pic.twitter.com/n8qlOuDPb1
— Carly Adno (@CarlyAdno226) May 19, 2018
“I wanted to get a new challenge,” he said.
“I know Germany, know Switzerland, and of course England as a player, and I wanted to do something different and for me this is top class.
“The only thing is it’s a very long flight.
“This is the challenge I was looking for and I’m very happy and proud to be here.”
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Originally published as Former Germany, Liverpool star Markus Babbel unveiled as new Western Sydney Wanderers coach
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