Feldhofer's Managerial Career: From Regional Success to International Coaching
The journey of a football manager is often defined by a climb through the ranks of certification and a series of strategic appointments. For Feldhofer, this path began with a commitment to professional development, moving from youth development and regional leagues to the highest tiers of Austrian and international football.
Foundations and Early Coaching
Feldhofer's transition into management was underpinned by formal education. After earning his UEFA A Licence in June 2012, he spent 2013-2014 as a group manager at LAZ Weiz. He further refined his skills between 2014 and 2015 as an individual trainer for the ÖFB (Austrian Football Association) at LAZ Styria.
His first major breakthrough came on October 10, when he was appointed manager of SV Lafnitz, a club in the Austrian Regionalliga. His tenure was marked by immediate success, as he led the club to win the Austrian Regionalliga Central, securing a promotion to the Austrian 2. Liga.
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Rise to the Austrian Bundesliga
To prepare for the demands of professional football, Feldhofer acquired the UEFA Pro Licence in October 2019, the highest coaching certification available and a requirement for managing professional teams.
In December 2019, he took the helm at Wolfsberger AC in the Austrian Bundesliga. This period represented a historic peak for the club. By the end of the 2019/20 season, Wolfsberger AC finished in third place—the best result in the club's history—earning them a second qualification for the Europa League.
The 2020/21 season brought further milestones as the club progressed past the Europa League group stage for the first time, eventually exiting after two ties against Tottenham Hotspur. However, domestic form wavered due to the departure of high-caliber goalscorer Shon Weissman to Real Valladolid.
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Departure from Wolfsberger AC
Internal friction eventually overshadowed the club's achievements. Reports surfaced of repeated conflicts between Feldhofer and club captain Michael Liendl. This tension culminated in the exclusion of Liendl and leading players Michael Novak and Christopher Wernitznig from the match-day squad for a cup clash against LASK. Following a 0-1 loss in added time, Feldhofer stepped down the next day, leaving the club in fifth place.
International Appointments and Recent Roles
Feldhofer's subsequent career saw him manage several prominent clubs across Europe. He took over SK Rapid Wien on November 28, 2021, remaining in the role until October 16, 2022.
On June 16, 2024, he moved into international management with Georgian club Dinamo Tbilisi on a year-and-a-half contract. This tenure ended by mutual agreement on December 10, 2024.
Immediately following his departure from Georgia, he joined Cercle Brugge on a six-month contract with an option for the 2025-26 season. However, he was sacked on March 17, 2025, after failing to steer the club away from the relegation play-offs. Shortly after, on March 24, 2025, he was announced as the new head coach of Grazer AK.
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Key Facts
- Highest Qualification: UEFA Pro Licence (acquired October 2019).
- Career Peak: Led Wolfsberger AC to a historic 3rd place finish in the Austrian Bundesliga.
- European Success: Guided Wolfsberger AC through the Europa League group stage for the first time.
- Regional Success: Won the Austrian Regionalliga Central with SV Lafnitz.
- Recent Appointment: Named head coach of Grazer AK on March 24, 2025.
Managerial Timeline Summary
| Period | Club/Organization | Key Outcome/Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-2014 | LAZ Weiz | Group Manager |
| 2014-2015 | ÖFB (LAZ Styria) | Individual Trainer |
| 2015-2019 | SV Lafnitz | Regionalliga Central Champions; Promoted to 2. Liga |
| 2019-2021 | Wolfsberger AC | Historic 3rd place finish; Europa League group stage |
| 2021-2022 | SK Rapid Wien | Manager until October 2022 |
| 2024 | Dinamo Tbilisi | Mutual agreement departure (Dec 10, 2024) |
| 2024-2025 | Cercle Brugge | Sacked March 17, 2025 |
| 2025-Present | Grazer AK | Appointed March 24, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest coaching license Feldhofer holds?
Feldhofer holds the UEFA Pro Licence, which he acquired in October 2019. This is the highest level of coaching certification and is required to manage professional teams.
What was Feldhofer's greatest achievement at Wolfsberger AC?
His greatest achievement was leading the club to a third-place finish in the Austrian Bundesliga, the best season result in the club's history, and guiding them through the Europa League group stage for the first time.
Why did Feldhofer leave Wolfsberger AC?
He stepped down following a 0-1 cup loss to LASK, which occurred amidst public conflicts with club captain Michael Liendl and the exclusion of several key players from the squad.
Which international clubs has Feldhofer managed?
Feldhofer has managed Dinamo Tbilisi in Georgia and Cercle Brugge in Belgium.
When did Feldhofer join Grazer AK?
Feldhofer was announced as the new head coach of Grazer AK on March 24, 2025.