Gütschow stays with VFC: New impulses for the DI juniors!

Gütschow stays with VFC: New impulses for the DI juniors!

If last season left an impression, it was one of necessity and new beginnings. Nils Gütschow has announced his resignation after a turbulent time as coach of the first men's team at VFC Anklam. However, June 26, 2025 also brings positive news for the club: Although he is retiring from the men's team, Gütschow remains loyal to the VFC and takes over the coaching position of the DI juniors. “The VFC is my hometown club and the club of my heart,” he emphasizes. His goal is to provide new impetus in the youth sector and to promote talent, which is part of the club's concept to enable young players to develop sustainably.

Gütschow made the decision to give up the coaching position after a sobering season in which the team dropped from second place to fifth place after the first half of the season. After a final game that ended with a 2-1 win over Kröslin, he spoke of changes that were necessary. For Gütschow, this was not only a professional decision, but also a personal one. Even before the decisive game against Grimmener SV, which ended in a 2-0 defeat, he had reported his decision to the board, including club boss Jörg Hasselmann. “The decision came as a surprise, but we have to accept it,” explained Hasselmann.

A look at the offspring

While the men's team wants to stabilize, the VFC is facing challenges in the youth sector. The DI juniors had to accept relegation from the state league, but have applied to continue playing at state level. This development is not uncommon in football - the pressure and challenges, especially at the youth level, are high. One factor that is often overlooked are the social influencing factors that go beyond mere physical performance. According to a study by Dr. René Paasch Parental support and a good coach-player relationship can be crucial to the success of young players.

The DI juniors ended the past season in Season IV with 11 points and in second-to-last place - a clear sign that it is time to break new ground. This is manifested by Gütschow's commitment to the youth sector, which is also seen as part of the club's concept for promoting talent. He has enough experience, after all, he returned after a six-month break to ensure relegation in the 2022/23 season.

Conclusion and outlook

However, the search for a new coach for the men's team remains unclear. It will be exciting to see who can take over and steer the helm in a new direction. Board member Philipp Labahn assured that the team largely wants to stay together, which promotes a certain level of cohesion. The next challenge is already around the corner - the derby against TSV Friedland is next Saturday, and the men's team is hoping for a positive outcome.

All in all, it shows that VFC Anklam is facing a change that brings with it both opportunities and challenges. Gütschow's steps in the youth sector can be crucial for the club's future development and potential. The path that the VFC is now taking could be groundbreaking for both the first men and the juniors.