The 34-year-old German has plenty of pedigree at big clubs, working alongside top toaches at the likes of Bayern Munich, Southampton, RB Leipzig and the German national team as an assistant, now he’s taking on the top job at Hillsborough as he begins his adventure into senior management.
On Friday he discussed a whole range of topics with the media in his maiden press appearance, taking time to talk about his past, the present, and the future of the Owls in what he seees as an exciting challenge.
Here are loads of pictures and quotes - from both him and Wednesday chairman Dejphon Chansiri - following the first day of a new era at S6:
5. The Owls chairman also thinks he’s ‘the right fit’
“He has knowledge from working with big managers before – he was like a brain for them. He has done all the things apart from the final decision, that’s it. Everything else he has done, so I think he is the right fit for us.” | Steve Ellis Photo: Steve Ellis
6. A technical team soon
“It’s just about the government side now, doing all the work permits. I’m looking forward to having everybody here, and then we can start to work. For me it’s important to have some German guys around me, but also I will bring one English guy with me as well, because it’s important to have some insight about the culture and traditional things - it will be a good match. I hope to have them in by the Watford game.” | Steve Ellis Photo: Steve Ellis
7. He’s itching to get to work
“I need to train to get a feeling on the pitch of what is comfortable for the players now. It is not about coming in and saying ‘You have to do this’, it is about taking the strengths of the squad and then bringing my style in as a combination. We must be convinced in what we are doing and doing them in the right moment. It’s not about one guy, we do it all together. These are the basics for me. From then we go to improve each phase of the game to improve our style of football in moments.” | Steve Ellis Photo: Steve Ellis
8. It’s a ‘big challenge’ for him
“I was in the stadium and the first impression was amazing. I am looking forward to having the first match inside. It feels I am ready for this. I know it’s a big challenge now to make the step forward as a manager... It feels amazing to have that first step here at Sheffield Wednesday.” | Steve Ellis Photo: Steve Ellis