Struggling Aberdeen have named colourful former German goalkeeper Lutz Pfannenstiel as the club’s sporting director.
The 52-year-old, who was involved in the recent independent football review of the club, is due to take up his role next month with the Scottish Cup holders.
Pfannenstiel moves to Pittodrie from a similar position at MLS side St Louis City and has also been a sporting director at Fortuna Dusseldorf.
His playing career spanned 25 clubs in 13 countries, and he became the first professional to play in all six of Fifa’s confederations after turning down a contract with Bayern Munich aged 19 to travel the world. Among other roles, he was head of international relations and scouting at 1899 Hoffenhei.
He published a biography in 2014, released in the UK as The Unstoppable Keeper, and was described by FourFourTwo magazine as the “craziest man in football”. During his time in New Zealand, he kidnapped a penguin and kept it in his bath, only to send it back when the president of Otago United warned him he could face deportation if caught. He once modelled for Armani and has spent time in a Singapore jail.
Dons chairman Dave Cormack said: ”We are pleased to welcome Lutz and his significant experience to Pittodrie.
“With extensive coaching, scouting, young player development and leadership expertise gained across different roles and cultures, we believe Lutz will be a catalyst in the club’s quest to deliver its football aspirations over the next few years.
“In particular, his technical knowledge, academy development experience and global recruitment network were key factors in the board selecting him for this critical role, as we strive to align consistent on-field success with our player-development model.
“Lutz will oversee and be responsible for all football and performance areas of Aberdeen FC to deliver on our ambitious objectives in what, today, has become a highly competitive Scottish football league.”
Pfannenstiel said: “Having spent time getting to know the club over the past two years, I’m inheriting a very strong infrastructure and team of staff at both Pittodrie and Cormack Park.
“So, for me, this is about building from a strong basis with one goal in mind, which is to elevate Aberdeen at all levels and make our fans proud of the club.”
Boss Jimmy Thelin is under pressure after a poor start to the season, the Dons having won just two games in the Premiership, with last week’s 6-0 hammering by AEK Athens in the Conference League adding to the despondency currently surrounding Pittodrie.
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