Hartberg, Austria — April 22, 2026 Hartberg head coach Manfred Schmid announced his departure from the Austrian Bundesliga club at the end of the season, citing a misalignment of visions with the team's leadership. Manfred Schmid confirmed his decision to step down as Hartberg's coach during an interview with Sky ahead of the team's match against Rapid Vienna. "Ich bin zu dem Entschluss gekommen, dass die Vorstellungen nicht mehr zusammenpassen, und deswegen werde ich eine neue Aufgabe suchen," Schmid said, indicating he would seek a new challenge after his contract expires.
The announcement has stirred discussions within the squad, with club officials acknowledging the impact on players. Hartberg chairman Erich Korherr had previously avoided giving clear answers about Schmid's future, leaving uncertainty in the locker room.
Schmid's Tenure and Performance
During his 61-game stint with Hartberg before the Rapid Vienna fixture, Schmid maintained an average of 1.49 points per match, securing 24 wins, 19 draws, and 18 losses. His leadership helped the club remain competitive in the Bundesliga, particularly during their participation in the championship group phase.
Despite the respectable record, Schmid emphasized that diverging visions with the club's management led to his decision. The coach reiterated his stance in a second quote to Sky: "Ich bin zu dem Entschluss gekommen, dass die Vorstellungen nicht mehr zusammenpassen, und deswegen werde ich eine neue Aufgabe suchen."