Vitesse has a new technical director. The Arnhem team will announce the arrival of Benjamin Schmedes on Tuesday. The football director serves as the successor to Johannes Spors, who left for the Italian Genoa in December. The only 36-year-old Schmedes, who previously worked at Hamburger SV, among other things, has signed a contract with Vitesse until mid-2024. The tasks of Spors were temporarily taken over by Marcel Klos. Just like Spors, he has also left the club from Arnhem.
As a football player, Schmedes made it to the second team of Hanover 96 and Werder Bremen, but a breakthrough in professional football was not possible. In January 2009 he started working as a board assistant at Hamburger SV, where he grew to head of scouting. After having held that position for three years, he was brought in by VfL Osnabrück at the end of 2017 as sporting director. With Osnabrück, Schmedes managed to promote to the 2. Bundesliga. Two years later, the club was relegated again to the third tier, where it is currently active.
“After my departure from VfL Osnabrück, I consciously took the time to think about my next step,” Schmedes said in a response. “When Vitesse came across my path, I was immediately interested. That good feeling was confirmed during the pleasant conversations with the club management. Vitesse came across to me as a professional and warm club, with a great history. I am drawn to the football philosophy and the potential of the club, believing in more. With the ambition to structurally play European football, but also with a focus on our own academy.”
General manager Pascal van Wijk is pleased with the appointment of Schmedes. “Benjamin clearly fits in the path we have taken with Vitesse, when it comes to knowledge, experience and football vision. We are therefore pleased that the collaboration has come to an end after a number of good and extensive discussions. Benjamin stands for a strong vision, a modern and innovative approach and a focus on both the short and the long term. He has a broad network, knows the Dutch market well and is committed to training and developing talent.”