One year after making MLS Cup, New York Red Bulls have decided to replace Sporting Director Jochen Schneider and head coach Sandro Schwarz following the inability to make the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. While Schneider’s departure was expected, the removal of Schwarz comes as a surprise given his success last season and communication with the club in recent weeks.
“I would like to thank Sandro for the last two seasons,” said Schneider before his departure. “His dedication to the job was outstanding and I wish him nothing but the best in his future coaching endeavors.”
While the win loss record may not shine, Schwarz led the club to their second ever MLS Cup Final in 2024. The club los to the LA Galaxy 2-1 in a tight contest and appeared poised to take the club further one year later. Injuries and poor road performances led to the team’s playoff hopes ending after 15 seasons, prompting a major shift in the front office.
Replacing Schneider is Julian de Guzman, the club’s Sporting Director who has helped to build the impresssive MLS Next Pro New York Red Bulls II, who are currently one game away from the playoff final. His experience as a player spans Europe and North America as well as at the executive level as a coach and General Manager with the Ottawa Fury.
“Mentoring Julian has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time here,” said Schneider. “I have no doubt that he is the perfect person to take the helm and lead the Red Bulls into their next chapter.”
Red Bulls off season will be an interesting one as several key players are either free agents or have pending options. Kyle Duncan, Sean Nealis and Tim Parker have decisions that will need to be made. Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel will more than likely depart as a free agent given the send off he received in the last home game.
photo by Matt Kremkau