Former Red Bull New York head coach Sandro Schwarz has returned to the technical area as head coach of Dynamo Moscow. The 47 year-old German coach was only the second gaffer to take Red Bull to the MLS Cup Final in 2024. Under his leadership the club saw a turnaround that included names such as Emil Forsberg and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. Now he is taking his skills back to Moscow where he previously coached from 2020 to 2022.
Rumors had swirled since Schwarz’s departure from Red Bull. Scottish side Aberdeen had been linked, with the coach progressing in discussions. However, Moscow became available following a season where the club finished seventh in a disappointing campaign. Their previous coach, Valery Karpin, was both the club’s skipper as well as the coach for the Russian national team. Despite being on a multi-year deal, Moscow decided to part ways and return to Schwarz who reportedly demanded control over transfers as well as a larger salary.
Schwarz will be remembered for his wit as well as tactical prowess as he handed NYCFC their only New York Derby loss in the MLS Cup Playoffs. He nearly saw the club win their first major title but was able to lift the Eastern Conference trophy in 2024 after defeating Orlando City. On the reverse-side, he was also in charge when the team failed to make the MLS Cup Playoffs since the 2009 campaign.
photo by Matt Kremkau