Markus Babbel has been named as the new coach of the Western Sydney Wanderers.
The former German international (51 caps), Bayern Munich and Liverpool defender comes to the club with a rich coaching pedigree following successful spells at FC Luzern in Switzerland and in Germany with Hertha Berlin, Hoffenheim and Stuttgart.
A talented footballer, Babbel’s transition into coaching has been a successful one including winning promotion to the Bundesliga with Hertha Berlin and qualifying for Champions League football with Stuttgart.
Most recently the head coach of Swiss Super League side FC Luzern, where he coached former Wanderers fan favourite Tomi Juric, Babbel comes to Australia with a good knowledge of Australian players having also previously coached Nikita Rukavytsya in Berlin.
Wanderers Chairman Paul Lederer said that Babbel was the right man to lead the Wanderers into the next phase of their growth.
“Today we have made a statement about our future and I am very proud to announce Markus Babbel as our new Head Coach,” said Lederer.
“In the next 18-months we will have our new training facility finished, our new stadium open and our club ready to take another giant.
“Having a coach like Markus involved with this club will make us a force in this league as we strive to win trophies, return to the AFC Champions League and make a statement not only in Australia but internationally as a football club.”
Babbel replaces Josep Gombau who was sacked after just one season in charge at the club.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.