Lechleiter to be Ulm coach beyond the summer?

Will Robert Lechleiter remain in charge of SSV Ulm 1846 beyond this summer? IMAGO/Nordphoto

In mid-March, Robert Lechleiter was promoted from the U19s to the senior team at SSV Ulm 1846 Fußball following the departure of promotion coach Thomas Wörle. Initially, the former professional was to coach the Spatzen until the end of the season, with his prospects discussed after the season.

But now Ulm's managing director Markus Thiele has broken this plan. In an interview published in several media outlets, he commented on Lechleiter's future – and clearly expressed his desire to continue working with the 44-year-old.

The timing is surprising, as it's still unclear which division the Spatzen will be playing in next season. Before the final two league games, SSV is in 17th place in the table, three points out of the relegation playoff spot, and six points away from safety. The fact that Ulm are still in the race to avoid relegation is also thanks to Lechleiter.

Ulm has played seven games under his direction since then, with a balanced record of three wins, one draw, and three losses. The same applies to the goal difference of 8:8. The ten points under Lechleiter were also a reason for Thiele's advance.

According to Thiele, Lechleiter has not only proven in the last seven games "that he fits in very well with our down-to-earth and serious approach," but he has also "scored many important points." It's quite possible, then, that Lechleiter, who joined the Spatzen's youth academy at the beginning of 2024, will be in charge of the first team in the long term.