Gerhard Struber is OUT as New York Red Bulls head coach as they ‘mutually agree to part ways’ just weeks after Dante Vanzeir racially shamed and fans walked out of the game
- New York Red Bulls are currently languishing in last place in the Eastern Conference
- Struber was criticized for his handling of the racism scandal involving NYRB
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Gerhard Struber will no longer be in charge of New York Red Bulls after the two ‘mutually agreed to part ways’ on Monday.
The MLS club released a statement announcing the departure of head coach Struber and his assistant Bernd Eibler. Troy Lessene, an assistant coach under Struber, will take over for the rest of the season.
According to the statement made, Struber hinted that he was the initiator regarding his departure.
It was also clear to me that I wanted to return to Europe at the latest at the end of this season. It was extremely difficult for me to live here, especially without my family,” Struber said in the press release.
“I informed the club early enough of my wishes and we came to an agreement to part ways. I wish the organization and the players every success in the future.’
Gerhard Struber is no longer the head coach of the New York Red Bulls since Monday morning
The Red Bulls have struggled this season under Struber to say the least. Through 11 games, the team has made only one appearance – on March 18 – and is currently on a seven-game winless streak, broken by a 1-0 loss to Philadelphia on Saturday night.
“We thank Gerhard and Bernd for their work and dedication to our club and wish them well in their next endeavours,” said Head of Sport Jochen Schneider.
I would like to give a special thank you to Gerhard for his dedication to this club and for the personal sacrifices he made, especially being away from his family. He guided our players through a difficult time, kept everyone in good spirits as he continued our play-off streak,” he continued.
‘After many discussions with Gerhard in recent weeks, we have come to the mutual conclusion that a change now would be beneficial to both parties.’
Last month, Struber was criticized from some quarters for his handling of an incident in which striker Daniel Vanzeir used racist language during a game against San Jose.
Vanzeir was not taken off immediately after the 64th minute game and instead stayed on until Struber turned him on in the 87th. A statement from the club apologized directly for the incident, calling the words and inaction on Struber’s part ‘inexcusable’.
Struber said in a statement days after the controversy that he had “made a decision that I thought was the best given the information I had at the time” and admitted he should have replaced Vanzeir “immediately.”
New York Red Bulls forward Dante Vanzeir has been suspended for six games for using racist language
Fans from all three supporter groups have expressed their anger against the club and Vanzeir
The Red Bulls are on a seven-game losing streak, last losing to Philadelphia on Saturday
Three days later Struber apologized publicly. Front office NYRB called supporter groups to arrange a meeting this week, which also included Vanzeir and Struber.
New York Red Bulls’ three groups of supporters staged a walkout just before kickoff of the team’s eventual 1-1 draw with the Houston Dynamo on April 15.
The specific part of the fans stayed for the national anthem before leaving, dissatisfied with the length of the suspension and the way coach Gerhard Struber handled the delicate situation. Before leaving, South Ward fans repeatedly chanted “Fire Struber” in unison.