St Pauli coach Holger Stanislawski has agreed to become the new boss at Hoffenheim when the season ends.
St Pauli coach set to take over at Hoffenheim in the summer
St Pauli coach Holger Stanislawski has agreed to become the new boss at Hoffenheim when the current Bundesliga season ends.
The St Pauli stalwart has agreed a deal at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena until June 2014 and will take over from Marco Pezzaiuoli, who will return to his former position of assistant coach.
The impending move comes after Stanislawski had already announced he would be leaving St Pauli at the end of the season regardless of the outcome of their battle against relegation.
The coach wanted a new challenge after serving St Pauli on and off the pitch since 1993, including masterminding their promotion to the top flight last term.
Difficult
He said: "Of course it is difficult after such a long time to leave Hamburg.
"I still think that it is time for me to address a new and exciting challenge.
"The talks with the leaders in Hoffenheim have absolutely convinced me.
"I look forward to the new environment and the upcoming season with Hoffenheim.
"Nevertheless, I am fully focused on the season's run-in and the league with St Pauli before I approach my new job."
Exceptional personality
Hoffenheim general manager Ernst Tanner added: "Holger Stanislawski is without a doubt one of the exceptional coaching personalities in the Bundesliga.
"He has shown his coaching qualities with the rise of St Pauli to the Bundesliga.
"He also knows how to develop young talent and with his pleasant, yet straightforward, manner he enjoys a great rapport with fans, players and staff.
"After almost 20 years at St Pauli he now seeks a new challenge and we are delighted that he has chosen Hoffenheim."
