Former Dragons and ELF coach Pokorny joins Graz

The Vienna native will be Graz’s defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator, the club announced Friday.

Pokorny, who most recently led Milano Seamen ELF as head coach, is no stranger to Austria: from 2016 to 2021 he was the head coach of AFL side Danube Dragons and held various coaching positions in the men’s national team from 2013 to 2019. . The 2023 ELF season ended disappointingly for Lombard with a 2-10 season and last place in the Central Division. The 37-year-old and the Italian then parted ways.

Pokorny had a perfect end to his first season with Milano Semin in the National League in 2022, and led the Danube Dragons from sixth place to third place during his tenure as head coach (2016-2021).

“After two years in Italy, it felt right for me to come back
To return to Austria. The Giants have a long tradition of…
Austrian football is in a very good environment. After the first
After several conversations, I quickly realized that I wanted to come here.
I’m really looking forward to working with the team and I hope
That we can celebrate many successes together.” – Stefan Pokorny.

Pokorny has been able to get to know his new team in the past few months and also participate in Giants youth soccer in the fall.

Mattingly remains president at Mur

At the same time, the club announced… Michael Mattingly He remains the head coach of Graz. The American led the Giants to the semi-finals this year, where they narrowly fell short to eventual champions, the Danube Dragons.

However, due to family reasons, Mattingly will not join the team until the beginning of February. Off-season training is currently provided by a Strength and Conditioning Coach Thomas Torta And new arrival Stefan Pokorny Orientation.

“The 2024 season will be an important and promising year for the Giants. With most of our squad members back and some new faces in the coaching staff, I’m excited to see how far we can go. Of course we want to build on last season, continue improving and finally reach the top of the mountain – the Austrian Cup.” Michael Mattingly.