SSV Ulm 1846 between relegation worries and players' cries for help!

SSV Ulm 1846 between relegation worries and players' cries for help!

There's a lot of excitement at SSV Ulm 1846 football! The team's current challenges were discussed in an open letter from goalkeeper Christian Ortag and defender Johannes Reichert to the supervisory board. The players describe a “poisonous” atmosphere in the team, which is exacerbated by the precarious situation in the league. After the bitter 5-0 defeat against Hansa Rostock, concerns about staying in the regional league are greater than ever. This alarming signal came on November 10, 2025, shortly after the club had to cope with relegation to the 3rd league, where it now has to fight for existence again after only a year of return. How kicker.de reported, the team is calling for immediate personnel consequences due to the tense situation.

The club reacted quickly to the problem. On Monday evening, board member Thomas Oelmayer and the supervisory board chairmen Dominik Schwärzel and Uli Eitle spoke and emphasized that they were very aware of the difficult sporting situation. In their statement, they described the last few weeks as being characterized by intensive discussions and developments in which they wanted to hold discussions with the team in order to objectively deal with the current situation. It is regretted that internal information was made public, which caused further unrest. SSV Ulm 1846 emphasizes that it is important to discuss such topics as a team in order to remain able to act.

The past as a reminder

The current situation triggers worried memories of the club's history among fans. Finally, SSV Ulm 1846 has played in various leagues over the last three years and was most recently relegated to the 3rd league in May 2025. Attendance numbers rose from just under 4,000 in the regional league to an impressive almost 16,000 last season. Nevertheless, the fear that the dark chapters of the past will repeat themselves remains present. Some fans remember the time when the club fell to the Verbandsliga after having once played in the 1st Bundesliga. All of these concerns also played a role after a public training session where around 40 fans came to get autographs from the players and show their support. sportschau.de reports the mixed opinions among supporters, while some aim for a stable structure, others hope for a quick resurgence.

Looking ahead

The sporting decisions of SSV Ulm 1846 must now be based on a clear plan. Head coach Robert Lechleiter will remain in office until 2027, and managing director Markus Thiele says there are no concrete offers for players yet. The club is pursuing a plan for down-to-earth and sustainable development, without any crazy actions. The aim is to see promotion to the 2nd Bundesliga not as a short-term success, but as a long-term perspective. This is best achieved through a strategic orientation of the sporting area, as is also necessary in professional football. A competent management that is responsible for squad planning, transfer activities and the implementation of an overarching game philosophy is essential dfb-akademie.de.

SSV Ulm 1846 football has reached a critical point. All those involved are required to form a unit and take the right steps to lead the club out of the current crisis. Whether this will succeed remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: football in Ulm needs a strong connection and sense of responsibility in order to thrive in an exciting time.