Thomas Letsch had to pack his bags in Salzburg. © APA / ERWIN SCHERIAU

Salzburg fires coach Letsch

After just over a year, coach Thomas Letsch and Salzburg have parted ways. As the Bundesliga leaders announced on Tuesday, the 57-year-old German has been relieved of his duties.

February 18, 2026

From: apa/sn

“After careful analysis, I have come to the conclusion that FC Red Bull Salzburg needs new impetus,” said sporting director Marcus Mann in a statement. A successor should be appointed “soon.”

Letsch, who along with his assistant Kai Hesse is being dismissed, took over as head coach of the Bulls at the beginning of 2025 and managed the team in a total of 56 competitive matches (an average of 1,55 points per game). After an encouraging start to 2026, uncertainty set in again recently, and the 1-1 draw against second-to-last GAK last Sunday was the final straw.

Salzburg far removed from its former glory days

"You're always under pressure at a club where it's all about titles if you're not dominant in the league," Letsch had said afterwards. Mann had already hinted, both after the 0-2 defeat in the league's spring opener against Austria Vienna and before the GAK match, that it was important to deliver results as quickly as possible.

33 points is a mixed result by Salzburg's standards of recent years. Salzburg, who were eliminated from the Europa League after the league stage, do lead the domestic table – but only thanks to the inconsistency of their rivals, who are lurking just behind them.