Greuther Fürth 2025/26 season preview: Stability the key to success  | OneFootball

A glance at last season

After a turbulent 2024/25 campaign, Greuther Fürth head into the new season looking for some much-needed stability. Last year saw three coaching changes, beginning with Frank Haas taking over from Alexander Zorniger in October, only to be succeeded by Jan Siewert in November. With the club flirting dangerously close to the relegation zone in May, Fürth made a bold decision to hand over the reins to interim duo Thomas Kleine and Milorad Peković.

The move paid off as Fürth secured survival under the new managerial partnership on the final day with a 3-2 victory over already promoted Hamburger SV - finishing 13th and ultimately four points clear of the relegation play-off.

In a bid to build on that momentum, the club have opted for continuity heading into 2025/26. Kleine has been appointed as permanent head coach, with Peković remaining as his assistant. Sporting director Stephan Fürstner praised the pair’s influence, stating: “Both managed to successfully lead our team through the finish line in a very arduous situation, and despite the shortness of time, it was already to be seen what they value,” adding that the club will embark on “a larger squad overhaul… and I am sure that we can build something together”.

Pre-season preparations

Fürth have had a very busy pre-season to date, playing out six friendlies already. Preparations began with emphatic wins over FC Herzogenaurach (13-1), SpVgg Ansbach (6-2), and FC Ingolstadt (4-2), before suffering their first setback in a 2-1 defeat at home to Hallescher FC.

The squad then embarked on a trip to Tyrol, Austria for an intensive week-long training camp. This included a 4-1 victory over SV Mannheim, later concluding with a 1-0 loss to English League One side Huddersfield Town.

Despite the mixed results, there have been plenty of positives on show for head coach Kleine and the supporters. Most notably, Fürth’s attacking play looked more co-ordinated - an area of key weakness last season.

The training camp also provided opportunities for seven academy prospects - Nikolaos Vakouftsis, Marlon Fries, Adem Imeri, Raul Marita, David Abrangao, Arjant Fazlija, and Mehmet Avlayici - to gain valuable minutes and showcase their potential, offering fans a glimpse of a promising future.

Transfers

Fürth’s summer business so far has struck a balance between experience and a view to the future. Key arrivals include midfielder Mathias Olesen, central defenders Philipp Ziereis and Brjynjar Ingi Bjarnason, full-back Jannik Dehm and forward Felix Higl - all of whom will aim to bring leadership and structure to a squad in transition.

Die Kleeblätter have complimented the aforementioned signings with the addition of several exciting young talents, such as defender Lukas Reich, goalkeeper Timo Schlieck, and midfielder Aaron Keller. Thus presenting a clear sign of Fürth’s intent to blend energy and maturity in their efforts to climb up the table.

However, the transfer window hasn’t come without losses. Regular names on the team sheet in Simon Asta, Marco Meyerhöfer, Gideon Jung, and Roberto Massimo have all departed. In addition, important loanees Joshua Quarshie and Nahuel Noll returned to their parent club Hoffenheim, leaving noticeable gaps in defence and between the sticks.

Predicted line-up

3-4-2-1: Boevink (GK) - Ziereis, Dietz, Bjarnason - Dehm, Olesen, Green, Consbruch - Klaus, Hrgota - Futkeu

Kleine is expected to stick with the 3-4-2-1 formation used towards the end of last season and throughout pre-season. Gian-Luca Itter and Reno Munz will provide defensive depth off the bench, allowing Dietz to slot into midfield if required due to any injuries or suspensions as he did at times last season.

In attack, new signings Felix Higl and Omar Sillah will be pushing hard for starting roles, keeping competition fierce among the forward line. It remains to be seen where Aaron Keller fits in, with the Swiss U-21 international not featuring in pre-season as he recovers from an ankle injury.

How can Kleine continue to steady the ship?

To guide Fürth toward a more stable season, Thomas Kleine must first address last year’s defensive frailties, with only three other teams in the league conceding more than the 59 allowed by Fürth in 2024/25. A key improvement area lies within the need to instill more composure and cohesiveness when playing out from the back. Too often, a lack of passing options forces defenders to go long and surrender possession - or worse, leads to dangerous turnovers deep in their own half. Several instances of this have been evident throughout pre-season, and it is felt that a large portion of 2. Bundesliga opposition are unlikely to be as forgiving as their friendly opponents.

Kleine will also need to continue the club’s tradition of developing young talent, ensuring prospects are introduced early enough to be genuine depth options if injuries or suspensions arise. Stability won’t come overnight, but having worn the shirt himself, Kleine understands what it means to represent Fürth. He is well-placed to ingrain that same sense of pride and responsibility in his players - qualities that will be vital in steering the club back to where it longs to be.

Predictions for the upcoming season

With a solid core in place, promising young talent arriving and Thomas Kleine settling into his permanent role - Fürth will be targeting a comfortable mid-table finish. Aiming for anywhere between 8th and 12th place feels realistic, especially in what promises to be a tightly contested 2. Bundesliga season.

This campaign represents a transitional phase for the club. Kleine’s focus will be on embedding his tactical identity and helping new signings settle, as well as setting the foundations for longer-term success. A season free of relegation worries whilst boasting clear progress should be a welcome sign for fans at the Sportpark Ronhof.

Fürth kick start their season at home to newly-promoted Dynamo Dresden on August 3rd, followed by a trip to Eintracht Braunschweig the week after. Early results could provide valuable momentum as they aim for a much more comfortable campaign this time around.