Patrick Fliri, coach of SSV Naturns, is about to leave. © Sarah Mitterer

A departure is imminent: Surprise coaching change at Naturns

SSV Naturns is still fully in the running for promotion to the Oberliga. Regarding the future, a significant and surprising decision has now been made.

March 26, 2026

From: det

Naturns isn't giving up! The traditional club from the lower Vinschgau valley is hot on the heels of league leaders Bruneck in the Landesliga. With eight games remaining (and including the upcoming direct encounter), they trail the top team by five points. The dream of returning to the Oberliga is still alive.

That's why the news comes as a surprise. Patrick Fliri, who has been on the sidelines for Naturns for three years, will no longer be the coach of his hometown club next season. The club and the long-time center-back have decided to part ways after the end of the season – regardless of whether they ultimately achieve promotion to the Oberliga or not.

Fliri has been the coach of Naturns since summer 2023. © Sarah Mitterer

Fliri took over Naturns in the summer of 2023 after their promotion to the Oberliga (fifth tier). After a close season with a dramatic finale, the team from the lower Vinschgau region were relegated to the Landesliga (sixth tier) and have been trying to return to the Oberliga for the past two years.

Before his adventure in Naturns, Fliri had made a name for himself as a coach in Schenna and Kaltern. What's next for the football coach? "First and foremost, my focus is entirely on the end of the season; we still want to achieve our goals. If something interesting comes up after that, I'll certainly consider it, otherwise I might take a year off," said Fliri.