# Leadership changes in German football clubs

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/leadership-changes-in-german-football-clubs
> Updated: 2026-08-19T23:24:31.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Several German football clubs have announced leadership structures for the upcoming season.

Karlsruher SC confirmed that Marvin Wanitzek will serve as captain for a third consecutive year. Similarly, 1. FC Köln announced that goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe will remain captain. Köln is also introducing a “Klartext-Gruppe”, a weekly forum for senior players and staff to discuss team matters independently of the coach.

Werder Bremen coach Daniel Thioune confirmed Marco Friedl will continue as captain, describing him as his “wingman” and “mirror” within the squad. Thioune is restructuring leadership by replacing the traditional player council with a smaller group, though vice-captains have not yet been finalized due to roster changes.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Werder Bremen coach confirms Marco Friedl as captain

Werder Bremen coach Daniel Thioune has confirmed Marco Friedl will remain captain and announced plans to restructure team leadership by replacing the player council with a smaller group.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/werder-bremen-coach-confirms-marco-friedl-as-captain

### 2026-08-04: German football clubs confirm captains Marvin Wanitzek and Marvin Schwäbe

Karlsruher SC and 1. FC Köln both confirmed their captains—Marvin Wanitzek and Marvin Schwäbe—will stay in charge, with Köln introducing a new weekly player‑staff forum.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-football-clubs-confirm-captains-marvin-wanitzek-and-marvin-schwbe

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Cite as: Leadership changes in German football clubs. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/leadership-changes-in-german-football-clubs