Tobias Schweinsteiger speaks about his exit from Bayern Munich

Tobias Schweinsteiger left the Bayern Munich organization to coach FC Juniors OÖ of the Austrian second-league in December. The older brother of Bastian Schweinsteiger was back in Germany this week to face one of his old clubs, SpVgg Unterhaching, in an exhibition match. In his first match as head coach, Schweinsteiger’s side lost 0-5 to what he admitted was a better team, but he wanted to get some experience for some of the younger players.

His new club seems to be a perfect fit for him. He has never liked to be the center of attention and doesn’t like to speak loudly. Now, with a club in a small stadium in a small city, Schweinsteiger can focus on being a coach.

After the match against Unterhaching, Schweinsteiger spoke to AZ about his exit from Bayern.

If Bayern would have trusted me more, I would still be there today.

Tobias not only coached but also played for FC Bayern II, becoming a fan-favorite there. After retiring from playing soccer, Schweinsteiger spent time as an assistant coach for Bayern’s U-17 team and with Bayern Munich II. When Bayern Munich II’s manager left to become manager of Holstein Kiel, Schweinsteiger was let go, as the replacement brought in his own assistant coaches.

About his decision to go to Austria, Schweinsteiger said,

To work in the top three leagues in Germany you must have your Fussballleherer (highest coaching certification.) In the Regionalliga (fourth division) there are some teams with higher attendance — that wasn’t very appealing. At [FC Bayern II] games there aren’t too many fans, except when it is against [1860 Munich.]

Schweinsteiger has the second-highest coaching certification, the A-Lizenz. However, before he pursues the next highest certification, he will take time focusing on his current team, FC Junior OÖ. “Everything’s OK,” he said.

He also hasn’t ruled out a possible return to Säbener Straße, sometime in the future.