Aberdeen's new sporting director, Lutz Pfannenstiel, has addressed the media at his first press conference, light-heartedly acknowledging the intense interest surrounding his rather colorful past. Pfannenstiel, appointed to help alleviate pressure on the team's head coach Jimmy Thelin, faces a barrage of questions regarding a certain incident involving a penguin.
"OK, before we start, I think you guys are very interested in my penguin stories and stuff like that," he joked. Addressing the rumors head-on, Pfannenstiel stated, "So, yes, I did have a penguin once, I didn't steal him, I just borrowed him for a night!". This confession refers to an event that occurred during his time playing in New Zealand. According to Pfannenstiel, the penguin was only a temporary guest.
Pfannenstiel's past extends beyond avian encounters. "I was in prison as well, and I also was dead in Bradford," he added, referencing his 101-day stint in a Singaporean jail on accusations of match-fixing and a near-fatal incident during a game for Bradford Park Avenue where his lungs collapsed. He was later released from the Singaporean jail due to a lack of evidence. The new sporting director seems keen to move on from these incidents. "I wrote a wonderful book about it, so if you want one, I can get it out the boot, 10 quid and you can have one," he quipped.
Despite the media's fascination with his history, Pfannenstiel is eager to focus on his new role at Aberdeen. "Since then I have done lots of other things, it's like, I think, more than 25 years ago," he stated. "I want to focus on Aberdeen, right now and what's happening in the future, and not just talk about nautical birds".
Pfannenstiel's appointment comes at a time when Aberdeen is looking to improve its performance, currently sitting 11th in the Scottish Premiership. Chairman Dave Cormack hopes that Pfannenstiel's "technical knowledge, academy development experience and global recruitment network" will be vital to the club. Pfannenstiel left his previous position with MLS club St. Louis City in August, after holding senior roles with Fortuna Dusseldorf and Hoffenheim. He is credited with playing a key role in the recruitment of players such as Roberto Firmino and Joelinton.
Pfannenstiel believes his arrival will benefit head coach Jimmy Thelin. "I think it was good news for Jimmy that I came in, because I think he can focus more on what he wants to focus on and really get concentrated on the coaching stuff and really working on the on-field stuff," Pfannenstiel explained. He elaborated on his role, stating, "I can, I think, take away a lot of pressure from him when it comes to dealing also with recruitment, finding players". "I think that the head coach should really be able to focus on what's happening on the field, what's happening with the team, and I'm here to support him in the best possible way".
Lutz Pfannenstiel's career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Before becoming Aberdeen's sporting director, Pfannenstiel played for 25 clubs across 13 countries, becoming the first professional to have played in all six of FIFA's confederations. His experiences have prepared him well for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead at Aberdeen.
