Kurt Russ starts a new attempt: Turbine Potsdam before a fresh start of training!
Kurt Russ starts a new attempt: Turbine Potsdam before a fresh start of training!
A new era is announced for the 1st FFC Turbine Potsdam. Kurt Russ, the 60-year-old Austrian coach, returns to the club after a turbulent time to tear the rudder around after relegation from the 1st Bundesliga. On Monday, June 23, 2025, he will lead the team to the first training session and thus has the chance to bring a fresh air into the structures of the association. According to MAZ- Online However, return not without conditions: "A lot has to change," he said about the challenges that are in front of him.
The situation is tense. 15 players have left the club and external newcomers are so far in short supply. During the preparation for the second division season 2025/26, Russ will observe up to six potential new talents. Two to three players are short of a contract. Particularly gratifying: Lucia Stritzke (17) and Marike Dommasch (18) signed their first professional contracts, which could provide a breath of fresh air in the team.
a critical eye
"I will take a close look in the first days of training and look for reinforcements in all parts of the team," announced Russ. He makes it clear that he sees the neglect of young talent work as a big problem in recent years. The people responsible for the association are aware of this and rely on Russ to create the turn. Club president Karsten Ritter-Lang expects a noticeable increase in performance and individual development of the players. The expectations are high and the pressure increases.
Bianca Schmidt, who was already shining as a European champion, is also to take on a leadership role in the team. Your experience will be crucial in the coming months. Emilie Bernhardt has extended her commitment to the association and will also represent an important support in the newly formed team. The season in the 2nd women's Bundesliga started on the weekend of August 23, 2025 and is a first test for Potsdam.
A look outside the box
The challenges are not only internal. German women's football is faced with the task of improving visibility and structures. In December 2021, the DFB Presidium launched the strategy "Women in Football FF27", which serves as the basis for acting in female football. Among other things, the number of active players and trainers are to be increased by 25 percent and the media reach of women's football should be doubled. In the long term, these projects can also benefit the Turbine Potsdam team in order to get back into the upper ranks and strive for titles. Further information about the strategy can be found on the website of the DFB .
Russ, who previously headed the training with the Austrian third division club Askö Oedt, not only plays a key role in the new season as a coach, but also as a pioneer. With his great experience from 262 games in the Austrian Bundesliga and as a coach in different leagues, he brings the right prerequisites to bring the team back on the road to success. The first steps will soon be taken in Potsdam - the redesigned team expects an exciting and challenging time.
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| Ort | Brandenburg an der Havel, Deutschland |
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