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Jeff Carlisle
The New York Red Bulls declared a restructuring of its competitive leadership, with manager Sandro Schwarz being let go while sporting director Jochen Schneider chose to resign to reunite with his family in Europe.
In the same announcement, former Canadian international Julian de Guzman, who served under Schneider as the sporting director of the Red Bulls’ reserve team for the last two seasons, has been elevated to the role of first-team sporting director.
The alterations follow a 2025 season in which the Red Bulls did not qualify for the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. This came after New York reached the 2024 MLS Cup final, where it was defeated 2-1 by the LA Galaxy.
«We are extremely thankful for everything Jochen contributed to our club during his tenure,» stated club president Marc de Grandpré. «Jochen’s skills and leadership were essential in building a competitive team. While we are saddened to see him go, he will always be a part of the family. We respect his choice and wish him and his family all the best in the upcoming days and months.»
«Simultaneously, we trust Julian will expand on Jochen’s impressive work and further reinforce the foundation already laid. We would like to express our gratitude to Sandro for his commitment in guiding our team on the field over the past two seasons. His professionalism and devotion have made a significant impact on the organization, and we will always honor him for securing our inaugural Eastern Conference Championship.»
Schneider took on the role of sporting director in 2022, and while his period in charge saw the arrivals of Emil Forsberg and Eric Choupo-Moting, there was a strong focus on advancing academy talent to the first team. This season’s first-team lineup included 12 academy players, featuring midfielder Julian Edelman and defender Noah Eile, who each logged over 2,000 minutes of play.
However, under Schwarz’s management for the past two seasons, the Red Bulls failed to rise to the top of the Eastern Conference in 2025. Even in the 2024 season, despite reaching the MLS Cup final, the Red Bulls could finish no higher than seventh in the conference standings.
«It has been a tremendous privilege and honor to lead this remarkable organization and collaborate with such gifted individuals,» said Schneider. «Throughout the last few years, I’ve dedicated myself to this club, and I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. Guiding Julian has been one of the most fulfilling elements of my time here, and I am confident that he is the ideal individual to take the lead and direct the Red Bulls into their next phase.»
«While I will profoundly miss this club, my family must come first, and my place is with them. Nevertheless, I will always maintain a close connection with Julian and the Red Bulls, and I eagerly anticipate witnessing the team’s ongoing success.»
Regarding potential successors, there are already two individuals within the Red Bulls organization that de Guzman is acquainted with. Ibrahim Sekagya was the manager of Red Bulls II until midway through the season when he moved up to the first team staff. He was succeeded by former U.S. international Michael Bradley, a prior Red Bulls player who played at the club under his father, former United States manager Bob Bradley.
