Having struggled under Marcelo Bielsa’s guidance, Leeds United sacked the Argentine and appointed Jesse Marsch as his successor on February 28th.
A few days later, Franz Schiemer was added to the American’s backroom staff at Elland Road.
The 36-year-old worked with Marsch at Red Bull Salzburg in the past and was reunited at Leeds United earlier this year.
Last week, Manchester United announced interim manager Ralf Rangnick has been appointed as new Austria manager.
Before making the news official, Die Presse stated that Schiemer is in contention for the assistant manager job with the national team. It was also explained that ÖFB sporting director Peter Schöttel had a meeting with the Leeds United coach during his trip to England.
Kurier interview Schiemer and he’s backed up claims made by Die Presse, stating that he has held talks with Schöttel.
“We had a good conversation, exchanged ideas about the team, from which I know two-thirds of the players because I either played with them or have already coached them,” the Leeds coach said.
When Schöttel held talks, the ÖFB had not announced their new manager. However, that had no bearing on Schiemer’s desire to become the assistant to the incoming coach.
“Regardless of who becomes the team boss. But of course, there was talk of Peter Stöger being a candidate,” he explained.
Leeds United are hoping to avoid relegation and Marsch’s assistant has his immediate focus on the Whites’ upcoming league fixtures. However, the Austrian has opened the door to return to his country after this campaign.
“I don’t want my entire family to have to move (to England), so it would have been exciting and an honour to work for the ÖFB,” Schiemer explained.
Meanwhile, Schiemer also shared his thoughts on Rangnick being appointed as Austria’s first team manager.
“In any case, Schöttel has signed an absolute top man in Ralf Rangnick. I hardly thought that was possible. At the beginning you have to lower expectations with four games and few training sessions. In the long term, however, Rangnick’s handwriting will be seen,” he added.
