Sandro Schwarz succeeds Felix Magath as Hertha Berlin head coach

Schwarz, 43, returns to Germany after a successful two-year stint in charge of Russia's Dinamo Moscow. The former Mainz player and coach replaces interim boss Felix Magath, who steered the Old Lady to top-flight safety via the relegation play-off.

"When I was looking for a new Hertha coach I focused not only on technical qualities but on enthusiasm, passion and emotion," said sporting director Fredi Bobic. "Sandro has shown that during his time with Mainz and Dynamo Moscow."

An ex-teammate of Jürgen Klopp at Mainz, Schwarz went on to coach the club's U19s and reserves, before taking charge of the seniors ahead of the 2017/18 Bundesliga campaign. He oversaw 14th and 12th-place finishes, but was dismissed after a run of two wins and nine defeats to start 2019/20.

Schwarz returned to the dugout in October 2020. After steering Dinamo to seventh, he masterminded their most successful season in over a decade as the Moscow outfit finished third in the 2021/22 Russian Premier League. He also took them to the Russian Cup final.

"I had some very good discussions with Fredi Bobic," added Schwarz. "Everything was open and clear. I really want to shape the restart at Hertha. The club has gone through a difficult period and I am looking forward to turning that into a positive, with lots of joy and energy."

Schwarz is Hertha's seventh head coach since he departed Mainz in November 2019. The Old Lady slipped into the relegation play-off spot on the final day of 2021/22 and lost their relegation play-off first leg 1-0, but triumped 2-0 in the reverse fixture to preserve their top-flight status.

About the clubs Hertha Berlin

Olympiastadion

Share