Regional league soccer team Chemie Leipzig has hired Alexander Schmidt as head coach. According to a statement from the Leutzsch club, the 57-year-old will not only succeed Adrian Alipour, who was released in December, but will also take over the position of sporting director. Schmidt's contract initially runs until the summer of 2027. After 18 games, Chemie are in 16th place, six points off the drop zone.
"In Alexander Schmidt, we have gained a proven soccer expert as coach and sporting director. As a coach, he stands for an active style of play, his teams are characterized by a high willingness to run and intensity. He demands a lot from his players, but also relies on communication, empathy and mutual trust. Thanks to his work in several youth academies, he is well versed in dealing with young players and their development, which will be of great benefit to our young team," said Gregor Schoenecker, Chemie's Director of Sport.
With the UEFA Pro License, Schmidt has the highest coaching qualification in European soccer. Previously, the Augsburg native was on the touchline at 1860 Munich and Dynamo Dresden, with whom he won the third division championship.
