Thomas Kleine is the name of the new SpVgg Bayreuth coach. The club has thus found a successor for Timo Rost, who announced his departure after promotion to the 3rd division. “I’m really looking forward to Bayreuth,” Kleine is quoted as saying in a letter from SpVgg. His contract is initially limited to one year. Should the SpVgg establish itself in the 3rd league, there is the possibility of an extension, according to the new Bayreuth managing director Jörg Schmalfuss.
Bayreuth’s new coach Kleine with a Franconian past
Kleine described the fact that the team had risen from the Regionalliga Bayern as champions as a very good performance and quality feature of the team. The 44-year-old and Managing Director Schmalfuss confirmed that the core of the company was definitely to be retained. The next challenge on the agenda is the DFB Cup game against Hamburger SV in July, Kleine continued.
Born in the Rhineland from Wermelskirchen in the Bergisches Land region, he is looking forward to his new role, even though the 3rd division is a tough one. But the club, fans and the city could manage to survive together. Through his years at Greuther Fürth, the Franconian mentality has grown on him, says Kleine, with a smile, especially in terms of food – especially the Schäufele.
Kleine comes from Düsseldorf with experience in the second division
Kleine last worked for five years as an assistant coach at second division Fortuna Düsseldorf. As a professional, he played for Bayer Leverkusen, Hannover 96 and Borussia Mönchengladbach, among others. In 2015 he ended his active career at SpVgg Greuther Fürth. Kleine was also active as an assistant trainer and trainer for the cloverleaves in Middle Franconia. During his time in Fürth, Kleine was already working with a number of players who are now under contract with SpVgg Bayreuth.
Timo Rost has switched to league competitor Aue
After speculation about his whereabouts, promotion coach Timo Rost recently announced that he was leaving the club after almost four years. The 43-year-old has meanwhile signed a contract with FC Erzgebirge Aue, who have been relegated from the 2nd Bundesliga to the 3rd division. Rost and SpVgg Bayreuth could see each other again next season.