VfB Stuttgart have relieved Pellegrino Matarazzo of his duties with immediate effect. The 44-year-old was appointed VfB head coach in December 2019 and took charge of the team in 100 matches across all competitions.
No decision has yet been made regarding a successor.
VfB Stuttgart CEO Alexander Wehrle said, “The ways in which Rino identified with VfB and always had the team at the forefront of his mind are not to be taken for granted. I got to know him as a special person, which makes the decision to end our work with him even harder. Ultimately, though, we came to the conclusion that a change in the coaching position was necessary in order to bring about a turnaround. We wish Rino all the best for the future.”
VfB Stuttgart sporting director Sven Mislintat said, “Rino more than met our expectations, and even surpassed them in many respects. Even during difficult situations, we never questioned him because we were convinced that he was the best coach for us and our path. We started this season with high hopes. Results thus far have unfortunately not lived up to these hopes. We’ve now reached a point at which we believe that parting with Rino is unavoidable. I’m extremely sorry to take this step and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Rino for his great work for VfB.”
Meanwhile Pellegrino Matarazzo added, “Our journey together at VfB has come to an end. They’ve been eventful and wonderful years with a lot of incredible moments and memories, which will last forever. I’ll always be grateful for being given the chance to get my foot on the coaching ladder here. VfB are a special club, which you only understand once you’re a part of it. I wish this team, this club with these fans all the very best and the maximum success.”