Overview
- Markus Pilawa asked to terminate his contract and left Werder Bremen with immediate effect on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the club announced.
- Werder says the departure was for personal reasons and that relations between the club and Pilawa remain amicable.
- Sporting director Clemens Fritz thanked Pilawa for his work and said the club will temporarily reassign Pilawa's tasks rather than rush a replacement.
- Pilawa was hired in May as part of Werder's spring sporting reorganisation and had a central role in this summer's recruitment, including input on Niclas Füllkrug's return.
- Pilawa is a respected former chief scout at Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern München, and his exit creates short-term disruption to Werder's recruitment leadership as the club weighs internal and external succession options.