Mario Vrancic takes VfR Mannheim sporting director role
Former Norwich City midfielder Mario Vrancic has been appointed sporting director at German fourth-tier club VfR Mannheim. The 37-year-old, who made 134 appearances for the Canaries between 2017 and 2021, joins a club recently promoted from the fifth division and undergoing a restructuring of its sporting operations.
Vrancic will be reunited with ex-City team-mate Lukas Rupp, who signed for Mannheim last month. The Bosnian midfielder most recently combined playing and mentoring duties at Eintracht Frankfurt’s youth setup before deciding to move into a management role.
Vrancic aims to bring experience and fresh ideas
In a club statement, Vrancic said: “For me, this is a very exciting task and a conscious step into a new chapter. VfR Mannheim is a club steeped in tradition with great potential. I want to contribute my experience from my playing career, listen, shape the future, and work together with those in charge to further develop the club on the sporting front.”
Sporting chief Ali Ibrahimaj explained the decision to appoint Vrancic: “We thoroughly considered this appointment and are convinced that Mario possesses exactly the profile we were looking for. He has experienced professional football at the highest level, is familiar with different football cultures, and brings modern ideas.”
He added: “Mario isn’t coming as a typical administrator but as someone who has lived and breathed football. This perspective can be very valuable for us. We look forward to working with him and are convinced that he will give VfR Mannheim important impetus.”
Vrancic’s Norwich legacy and next steps
Vrancic was a firm fan favourite at Carrow Road, scoring 17 goals in 134 appearances and helping Norwich win two Championship titles. His time at the club remains highly regarded by supporters for his technical ability and leadership on the pitch.
According to The Pink'un, Vrancic’s move into a sporting director role marks a clear shift from playing to football management, with the former midfielder keen to apply his broad experience across several leagues and international football to his new position.