Overview
- The club announced the appointment of 34‑year‑old Orest Shala on Thursday, June 18, 2026, to replace Tobias Strobl who is moving to VfL Wolfsburg.
- Shala is a German‑Kosovar coach who worked in Union Berlin's youth setup and served as co‑trainer at FC St. Gallen under Peter Zeidler, and he earned the Trainer‑Pro license in early 2025.
- He arrives from Portuguese side CD Mafra, where his team finished fourth last season and averaged 1.55 points per game across 33 matches, narrowly missing promotion.
- Sporting director Zlatko Janjic said Shala fits Verl’s philosophy by developing young players and delivering intense football, and Shala said he aims to continue the club’s recent success while adding his own details.
- SC Verl has a recent history of serving as a springboard for coaches to move up the ladder, so the club will focus on preseason work, youth integration, and whether Shala’s approach raises the squad’s competitive level in the 3. Liga.