Turbine Potsdam separates from coach Kurt Russ after home defeat!

Turbine Potsdam separates from coach Kurt Russ after home defeat!

The mood at the Brandenburg Gate could hardly be more changeable. On November 7th, 2025 it will be announced that 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam will part ways with their head coach Kurt Russ. This comes immediately after a painful 3-1 home defeat against VfL Wolfsburg II, which not only cost the club points but also tested the patience of those in charge. President Karsten Ritter-Lang expressed disappointment at the loss of three important points that are urgently needed in the relegation battle.

Kurt Russ only took over the helm in the relegation battle in October 2024 and was hoping for a positive turnaround despite the difficult situation after relegation in the summer. The club relied on a newly formed squad, but so far the hoped-for success has not been achieved. With just two wins from their first nine games, the team is currently in twelfth place and fighting for survival in the league. After five games without a win, the situation has worsened dramatically and Turbine is currently in a relegation zone.

The outlook and the challenges

The next confrontation against VfR Warbeyen will take place on Sunday, November 9th at 2 p.m. Assistant and athletic trainer Patrick Ritzinger will take over responsibility on an interim basis while the club is actively looking for a new head coach who has an A license. Despite the worrying performances, the club management remains satisfied with the composition of the squad. Ritter-Lang cites the individual error rate as one of the main reasons for the many goals conceded and speaks of an emotional turning point after the last defeat.

A quick look back shows that Russ was still cheering in September when his team beat SG 99 Andernach 2-0 in the Karl Liebknecht Stadium. Emilie Berhardt (62nd minute) and Rana Okuma (85th minute) secured an important home win. Despite aggressive play and good chances, such as Bianca Schmidt's shot from close range, the path to success was not easy. Andernach also had its chances, with Leonie Krump hitting the underbar in the first half.

The league's problem child

Turbine Potsdam has currently collected six points from three games in the Second Women's Bundesliga, which seems like a small clearing in the dark given the current situation. Okuma has emerged as a top performer; after the goal in the game against Andernach, she has now scored a total of three goals this season. But in the Bundesliga the balance sheet looks bleak. Given the recent results, Turbine Potsdam must pull out all the stops to avoid relegation.

The situation makes it clear: Sport remains the most valuable asset in Potsdam. And no matter who will be in charge of the club's fortunes as coach in the future, the challenges are great and the demands are high. A good hand will be required to get out of this critical situation. It will be exciting to see how the team performs on Sunday.