Beichler was with Sturm

New Liefering coach has two clubs in his heart

Daniel Beichler wants to bring his own touch to the Lieferinger game.

(Bild: FC Red Bull Salzburg via Getty Images)

Liefering's interim coach Daniel Beichler spoke to the "Krone" ahead of his first game as a second division coach about his new role with the young bulls, his relationship with Sturm Graz and his career goals.

Suddenly everything happened very quickly. Following the dismissal of Gerhard Struber at Salzburg, those responsible promoted Liefering coach Onur Cinel. The vacant position at the second division club was then taken over by U18 coach Daniel Beichler. The ex-Sturm player gave an interview to the "Krone" ahead of his first match at Leoben on Friday.

Mr. Beichler, on Monday you were suddenly promoted to coach the U18s at Liefering. How were the first few days?
Of course, there was relatively little preparation time. But luckily I have a staff that I know well. I can tell that it's already getting easier.

You also know some of the players very well, is that a big advantage?
I've worked with some of them as head coach and with some as assistant coach in the Youth League. That's certainly an advantage.

How do you approach your work with a team that has been very successful so far this spring?
There's a really cool foundation there, an intact squad. The results in the spring were really easy. As a coach, you have a few views on the game itself. I don't want to overturn anything, but I want to bring in one or two impulses. I want to bring in a good mix in my interactions with the boys. My own touch should also be recognizable.

What will be the biggest challenges as a second division coach?
We don't need to talk about that, it's adult soccer now. So far I've been at the preliminary level. That's why there will certainly be situations that I haven't had before. But I try to take a relaxed and stress-free approach. Nothing will change in the way I try to lead a team. Especially with us, the boys are a bit older than in the U18s, but they are still young lads. The way I prepare won't change. But a lot will change within a game and with the media. It's a cool opportunity for me to gain experience. I'm excited to see how I do. I try to keep things simple.

You come from Graz.Are you looking forwardto celebrating your debut in Styria in Leoben?
Maybe because the family will be closer to watch. I have no connection to Leoben at all and I won't be coming to Graz afterwards. But I'm sure one or two of my family will want tickets.

You played 118 Bundesliga games for Sturm and won the Cup in 2010. You've been working in Salzburg since 2020. Are you now more of a bull than a "Schwoazer"?
There's no need to beat around the bush. I grew up at Sturm and will always have great sympathy for the club. But I also have a great affinity with the club where I work. My family likes it here. That's why there's a place in my heart next to Sturm, I can say that very honestly and diplomatically.

Beichler (right) once cheered in a Sturm shirt.

(Bild: Sepp Pail)

You'll be taking the UEFA Pro License course next season, paving the way for a coaching career. What are your goals?
It's cool for me to be there. It will allow me to coach everything in the future. I've felt very comfortable with the U18s so far, it was a special team. Now I have an additional task. But I don't have a career plan. I want to make sure that I continue to develop.