What Happened
Roy Hodgson has made a shock return to management as interim Bristol City boss after the Championship club sacked Gerhard Struber. The Austrian tactician had been in charge at Ashton Gate since January 2022 but leaves with the Robins 13th in the EFL Championship table. According to sources, the decision to sack Struber was made due to the club’s poor form, which has seen them win just three of their last 11 league matches.
Bristol City have been in turmoil in recent weeks, with the club’s owners, Steve Lansdown and Jon Lansdown, reportedly at odds over the direction of the team. The departure of Struber has been met with a mixture of shock and relief from fans, who had been growing increasingly frustrated with the team’s performances.
In a statement, the club said: “The Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to part company with Gerhard Struber with immediate effect. We would like to thank Gerhard for his efforts and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
The club has moved quickly to appoint a replacement, with 78-year-old Roy Hodgson taking the reins on an interim basis. Hodgson, a former England manager, has a wealth of experience in the Championship, having managed Fulham to promotion in 2018. He will be tasked with steadying the ship at Bristol City and guiding the team towards a top-half finish in the EFL Championship.
The Tactical Picture
Bristol City’s form has been a major concern for fans and owners alike, with the team struggling to find consistency in their performances. Under Struber, the Robins have been known for their high-intensity pressing and quick counter-attacks, but they have struggled to translate this into results on the pitch. In their last 11 league matches, Bristol City have won just three, drawn four, and lost four, with a goal difference of -4.
According to data, Bristol City have averaged just 1.45 goals per game in their last 11 matches, with an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.23. This suggests that the team has been creating fewer chances than their opponents, and has been struggling to convert these opportunities into goals. In contrast, their opponents have averaged 1.64 goals per game, with an xG figure of 1.44.
The tactical picture at Bristol City is complex, with the team struggling to find a consistent balance between attack and defense. Struber’s high-intensity pressing has been a key part of the team’s strategy, but this has left them vulnerable on the counter-attack. Hodgson’s experience in the Championship will be crucial in helping the team to find a more balanced approach.
Struber’s Record at Bristol City
Gerhard Struber’s record at Bristol City is a mixed bag, with the team winning 23 of their 64 league matches under his management. Struber’s team have averaged 1.44 goals per game, with an xG figure of 1.34. However, the team has struggled to find consistency, with a win percentage of just 36% in their last 20 league matches.
- Bristol City’s last 11 league matches: W3, D4, L4
- Goals scored in last 11 league matches: 11
- Expected goals (xG) in last 11 league matches: 13.67
- Opponents’ goals scored in last 11 league matches: 15
- Opponents’ expected goals (xG) in last 11 league matches: 16.45
Reaction and Fallout
The news of Struber’s departure has sent shockwaves through the EFL Championship, with fans and pundits alike reacting to the news on social media. According to sources, Struber was unaware of the club’s decision to sack him, and was left feeling “disappointed and frustrated” by the news.
The departure of Struber has also sparked rumors of a potential takeover at Bristol City, with several parties reportedly interested in purchasing the club. According to reports, the club’s owners, Steve Lansdown and Jon Lansdown, are open to selling the club, but are seeking a significant fee for the business.
The reaction from fans has been mixed, with some expressing relief that Struber is gone, while others are mourning the loss of a popular and well-respected manager. In a statement, the Bristol City Supporters’ Trust said: “We are disappointed to see Gerhard go, but we understand that the club needs to make changes to improve their performances on the pitch.”
Next Fixture
Bristol City’s next fixture is against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday, August 5th, with kick-off at 3pm. The Robins will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing start to the season, and will be hoping to get their campaign back on track with a win against the Pompey.
About This Report
This report has been compiled and edited by the Football Insider editorial team using verified sources from across European football. Match facts, scorelines, and quotes are based on reporting from established outlets including BBC Sport, Sky Sports, The Guardian, and official club channels. Tactical analysis and historical context reflect the editorial team’s coverage of European football.
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