Aberdeen Football Club's Sporting Director, Lutz Pfannenstiel, has publicly defended his high-profile involvement in the team's coaching setup, particularly his appearances alongside interim manager Peter Leven in the dugout. The move, which has drawn scrutiny within sections of Scottish football, stems from a desire to modernize the club's operational structure and better prepare for future strategic decisions.
Pfannenstiel Addresses Dugout Noise
Following the dismissal of former manager Jimmy Thelin, Pfannenstiel has been supporting Peter Leven in a temporary capacity. However, his presence in the technical area during recent high-stakes matches—including back-to-back fixtures against Rangers—has raised eyebrows among traditionalists. Pfannenstiel, who joined the Dons in late October, expressed surprise at the negative reaction, suggesting it reflects an outdated view of football management.
Speaking exclusively to BBC Sport Scotland, Pfannenstiel urged the Scottish game to look beyond historical norms. "I don't think anybody should be bothered where I sit, even if I sit on top of the roof of the stadium, it doesn't really matter," he stated. "Time is moving on and in other countries it is very normal. I don't think everything needs to be within the norm. If there is something new, Scottish football should not just think about how it was in the past. Why not look into new things?"
The German director was quick to clarify that his role is purely supportive and that Leven remains firmly in charge of on-field tactical decisions. As Aberdeen prepares to face Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup this Sunday, Pfannenstiel emphasized that he is not attempting to act as a "play manager." His intention, he explained, is to gain a first-hand, visceral understanding of the team's atmosphere and immediate needs.
Understanding the Sporting Director Role
Pfannenstiel, whose career has spanned various high-level football roles globally, noted that the resistance he has encountered seems rooted in a misunderstanding of modern sporting director responsibilities, particularly in the UK context. He highlighted experiences common in other major European leagues.
"I have heard people say 'I've never seen a sporting director in the changing room' – this is pure ignorance because in most clubs in the world, the director of football goes before the game, or after the game, or even at half-time to the changing room," Pfannenstiel commented. "That is very normal in most footballing cultures. So I don't see that there is any problem. I think people don't really know what the job of a sporting director is."
He firmly believes that the role transcends mere administrative duties. "It is not an administrative role, it is a football role. Being down there and getting a feeling for the mood in the camp is very important for me to pick up when it comes to the next few transfer periods." This direct insight, he argues, is crucial for effective long-term squad building and strategic recruitment.
The Path Forward: New Manager and Future Involvement
Aberdeen is currently navigating a challenging period on the pitch, making the upcoming managerial appointment a pivotal moment for the club. Pfannenstiel confirmed he is leading the search for the new permanent head coach, a process he hopes will conclude soon.
A key question remains: will Pfannenstiel continue his dugout presence once a new manager is installed? The answer, according to the Sporting Director, remains flexible and dependent on the incoming manager's preferences.
"Hopefully not, but I don't know yet. I could be. It depends where the manager is from. It could be a manager who wants that, it could be a manager who doesn't care about it, so I haven't made up my mind," he revealed. He acknowledged his own preference for a more detached viewpoint: "Normally, I see myself more in the stands. I think it is better for me to see it from above." However, he stressed that the current circumstances necessitate a hands-on approach until stability is restored.
For now, the focus remains on the immediate challenge, starting with the Scottish Cup tie against Raith Rovers. Pfannenstiel’s commitment to integrating international best practices suggests that while the noise might persist, Aberdeen is determined to evolve its structure, prioritizing practical insight over traditional convention as they seek to elevate their performance in the Scottish Premiership and beyond.
The club's strategy hinges on this modernization drive, with Pfannenstiel positioned at the centre of the transition, aiming to ensure that Aberdeen’s structure supports sustained success in a highly competitive environment.
