Gerhard Struber is OUT as New York Red Bulls head coach as they “agree to go their separate ways” just weeks after Dante Vanzeir’s racism slur and the fans who left the game.
- The New York Red Bulls are currently bottom of the Eastern Conference
- Struber was criticized for his handling of the NYRB racism scandal
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Gerhard Struber will no longer look after the New York Red Bulls after the two “amicably separated” on Monday.
The MLS club released a statement announcing the departure of head coach Struber and his assistant Bernd Eibler. Troy Lessene, assistant coach under Struber, takes over for the remainder of the season.
According to the released statement, Struber has hinted that he was the initiator of his departure.
“It was also clear to me that I wanted to return to Europe by the end of this season at the latest. It was extremely difficult for me to live here without my family,” Struber said in the statement.
“I informed the club early enough about my wish and we agreed to go our separate ways. I wish the organization and the players the best of luck for the future.”
Gerhard Struber has not been head coach of the New York Red Bulls since Monday morning
The Red Bulls are struggling under Struber this season, to put it mildly. In 11 games, the team have just one — on March 18 — and are currently on a seven-game winning streak, punctuated by a 1-0 loss to Philadelphia on Saturday night.
“We would like to thank Gerhard and Bernd for their work and commitment to our club and wish them all the best for their future,” said sports director Jochen Schneider.
“I would like to especially thank Gerhard for his commitment to this club and for the personal sacrifices he made, especially being away from his family. He has guided our players through a difficult time and kept everyone happy as he continued our playoff streak,” he continued.
‘After many discussions with Gerhard over the past few weeks, we agreed that a change now would be beneficial for both sides.’
Last month, Struber faced criticism from some quarters for his handling of an incident in which forward Daniel Vanzeir used racist language during a game against San Jose.
Vanzeir was not immediately substituted after the duel in the 64th minute, but stayed until Struber replaced him in the 87th minute. A statement from the club directly apologized for the incident, calling Struber’s words and inaction “inexcusable”.
Struber said in a statement days after the controversy that he “made a decision that I thought was the best given the information I had at the moment” and admitted he should have brought Vanzeir on “immediately”. .
Barely saw this posted anywhere and it confuses me. This should be the biggest talking point of the weekend. Based on the reactions, it is clear that SOMETHING was said that crossed the line. MLS must deal with this quickly and appropriately and issue a lengthy ban if the allegations are supported pic.twitter.com/p6WoSdYuEG
— Jimmy King (@Jimmyking35) April 9, 2023
New York Red Bulls forward Dante Vanzeir has been banned for six games for using racist language
Fans from all three supporter groups have been vocal in expressing their anger against the club and Vanzeir
The Red Bulls are on a seven-game losing streak, most recently against Philadelphia on Saturday
Three days later Struber publicly apologized. The NYRB front office called support groups to set up a meeting this week, which Vanzeir and Struber also attended.
The New York Red Bulls’ three support groups staged a walkout just before kick-off in the team’s eventual 1-1 draw with Houston Dynamo on April 15.
Some fans stopped for the national anthem before the departure, dissatisfied with the length of the suspension and how coach Gerhard Struber handled the delicate situation. Before the exit, the South Ward fans sang “Fire Struber” in unison over and over again.