TM Exclusive
Gerhard Struber was unable to celebrate promotion with FC Köln after his departure. However, the Austrian coach quickly moved on from his dismissal and found a new opportunity with Bristol City. In an interview with Transfermarkt, the 48-year-old shares insights about his new role in the English Championship, his decision to embrace this challenge, the perks of coaching the Robins, his aspirations for promotion, and the requisite investments needed for success.
Transfermarkt: Mr. Struber, you were officially appointed as the new head coach of Bristol City on June 19, just a month and a half after leaving FC Köln. Did you have enough time to catch your breath?
Gerhard Struber: Yes, I did. Leaving Cologne was challenging, but I knew I had to look forward, reflect, and move on. Initially, I thought I might take a break, but because I have great respect for England as a football nation, I was eager to join a club where I could succeed with my style of play. It was somewhat coincidental that Bristol City, a club aligned with my football philosophy, reached out to me.
Transfermarkt: What attracted you to the position at Bristol City?
Struber: The Championship itself is an exciting competition. I also wanted to advance my development as a manager in a challenging league. We have ambitious goals and aim to reach the play-offs again this year, which makes this role very appealing.
Transfermarkt: What alternatives were available to you this summer?
Struber: After leaving FC Köln, I received inquiries from Germany, including from a prestigious traditional club, as well as offers from Saudi Arabia and Turkey. I turned down several options that didn’t align with what I wanted post-FC Köln. To me, England is a paradise for football, and opportunities to coach here are rare. Given the circumstances, joining Bristol City was the best decision for me. By the time training began, I had completely moved on from Köln and was fully focused on this new endeavor.
Transfermarkt: What lessons from your time in Cologne can you apply to your role at Bristol City?
Struber: My role in England is slightly different; I’m the manager and have direct communication with the owner. The lines of communication are short, and everyone knows where they stand. We have a transparent exchange of ideas and a shared vision. The fans appreciate our efforts, and it’s enjoyable for me to give my all because the feedback has been positive.
Transfermarkt: Do you prefer the traditional coaching role in Germany without extra managerial responsibilities, or the broader influence you have in England?
Struber: It ultimately depends on the individuals involved, regardless of the club’s internal structure. In England, I find it easier to have a say in transfers.
Transfermarkt: In Cologne, you mentioned working with open and cheerful people. What has your experience been like in Bristol?
Struber: Bristol is a vibrant and attractive city, filled with cheerful people who love to celebrate. It bears some resemblance to Cologne, although the level of carnival festivities isn’t quite the same (laughs). The city has a significant student population, making it youthful, colorful, and diverse. It’s an intriguing place with a palpable sense of history and nostalgia, complemented by the typical English humor that I enjoy.
Struber: What Needs to Happen for Bristol City to Compete for Promotion
Transfermarkt: After 15 matches, you’re currently in 8th place, just two points off the playoff spots. What’s your assessment so far?
Struber: I’m quite pleased with our performance, aside from one exception. The level of play has been commendable, and the fans appreciate our style. The players have embraced this approach, and the team’s mentality and character are excellent. I enjoy coaching a team filled with leaders who take responsibility. It’s crucial because we have lofty ambitions. The league is incredibly competitive, and we’ve faced a lot of injuries, with ten regular players sidelined—it’s been a tough reality for us. We’ve felt the impact recently due to our smaller squad. Given these circumstances, I’m happy with our current results and aim to continue our upward trajectory after the international break.
Transfermarkt: Bristol is the largest city in England that has never made it to the Premier League. Why do you think that is, and how can it change?
Struber: I can’t pinpoint why that hasn’t happened. We’ve had good seasons and come close, but ultimately, the big leap has eluded us. There’s a strong desire for promotion, especially among the fans. The team is also eager for more after reaching the playoffs last year. They are ambitious, eager to learn, and willing to invest significant effort. We have remarkable spirit and energy. Nevertheless, to take the next step toward the Premier League, many factors must align, particularly considering our current injury challenges. A surprise is indeed possible this year, but we must acknowledge that larger clubs in the Championship invest significantly more than we do. It’s important to keep that in perspective.
Transfermarkt: Currently, The Robins rank 20th out of 24 in terms of spending among Championship clubs, with an expenditure of only €860,000, and they even registered a transfer surplus of €890,000. What does this indicate about the club’s financial situation?
Struber: I have a strong relationship with our owner, Steve Lansdown. A substantial amount has been invested in the club during his tenure. He recognizes that success can be achieved without a constant influx of new players, but rather by developing a stable and cohesive group. He understands that a level of investment will be necessary in the winter and is committed to supporting us in that regard. With our injury concerns in certain positions, it’s essential to bolster the squad in January if we want to move beyond just aspirations of climbing the table. When I joined, I took over a team already on a positive trajectory, with a strong mentality and conviction. However, at the end of the day, it all comes down to winning. The more often we succeed, the easier things become.
Transfermarkt: Following the 1-1 draw with Watford on November 7, you described your players as “mental monsters,” expressing your fondness for coaching players with such resilience. What types of players do you find challenging to work with?
Struber: (laughs) I thrive when working with individuals whose actions align with their commitments. I appreciate players who give their all for success and don’t just talk about it. Integrity is a vital quality, and I hold it in high regard.
Transfermarkt: What has been your most significant learning experience at Bristol City so far?
Struber: I’ve learned how to quickly integrate a footballing philosophy while also needing to adopt a pragmatic outlook. Given the number of matches, sometimes we have to play a different style than I would ideally prefer, especially due to injuries. I believe we have struck a good balance over the past few weeks.
Interview conducted by Philipp Marquardt
