Overview

• Fischer was relieved of duties with immediate effect despite a contract running to June 2026, with the club describing the split as amicable over differing visions.
• Financial director Stephan Zimmermann and sporting director Thomas Brendel will run day-to-day operations together until further notice.
• Staff accounts and media reports cite a controlling management style, interference in sporting decisions, and a breakdown with the Ultras after a fanshop dispute.
• The supervisory board acted after concluding the dispute was harming the club climate during a season in which avoiding relegation is the priority.
• Local coverage reports Brendel’s long-term status is being debated, with leadership decisions expected after November’s supervisory-board election, and notes Fischer had similar tensions at prior clubs.