Erzgebirge Aue will begin their new chapter in the Regionalliga Nordost with Khvicha Shubitidze as head coach. The club announced the decision after a multi-week evaluation process, citing the 51-year-old’s role in stabilizing performances and results during a difficult period.
Under Shubitidze’s interim leadership since early April, Aue recorded only one loss in seven matches (2 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss). Club president Thomas Schlesinger explained the decision: “We did not take this important choice lightly, and there were several exciting candidates. After weighing all factors, we concluded that Khvicha Shubitidze has earned this opportunity and our trust through his team management, demeanor, and the tactical imprint he has left in an ungrateful phase of the season.”
The Saxony-based side was relegated from professional football after 23 years, dropping to the fourth-tier Regionalliga at the end of April. Remarkably, Aue had been the only team among all 54 German professional clubs to remain winless until their 5-3 victory over FC Ingolstadt in early May. Shubitidze, who previously led the club’s youth setup, took over from Christoph Dabrowski as interim coach on April 1. Enrico Kern will continue as assistant coach alongside him.
Looking ahead, Shubitidze said: “Of course, I am pleased to receive the backing and to take responsibility for the rebuilding process. Apart from the cup final, the focus from now on is on assembling a competitive squad.” Aue will face future Regionalliga rival FSV Zwickau in the Saxony Cup final on May 23.
