Arminia Bielefeld begins pre‑season for 2026/27 under new head coach Oliver Kirch, after head coach Mitch Kniat and captain Maël Corboz left the squad. The 31‑year‑old Corboz moved to Grenoble Foot 38 in the autumn, while Kniat departed by mutual consent after three years and a survival on May 17 2026 (6‑1 against Hertha BSC). Arminia currently sits 13th in the 2. Bundesliga with 39 points, 10 wins, 9 draws and 15 losses, and has recorded 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats in its last five matches.

Who takes the helm?

Oliver Kirch, previously in charge of Borussia Mönchengladbach’s U23 side, takes over a professional team for the first time. He started training at the Friedrich‑Hagemann Street ground immediately. Kirch is expected to revive the side after Kniat’s exit and improve the attack, which has produced only 53 goals while conceding 51, a modest two‑goal difference.

Which players stay and who leaves?

Only one genuine signing is confirmed: right‑back Henri Koudossou (26) arrives from FC Augsburg after a season with Nürnberg. Additionally, Maximilian Bauer (defender) and Jannik Rochelt (forward) have been signed permanently following loan spells. The winter departure of Maël Corboz is the biggest loss, while further exits such as Noah Sarenren Bazee (Waldhof Mannheim) and Justin Lukas (FC Gütersloh) are peripheral. Long‑time stalwart Robin Knoche appears, according to "Neue Westfälische", no longer in the club’s plans.

What are the offensive options?

The club is evaluating the return of Semir Telalovic, who was loaned from Nürnberg in winter and scored 2 goals in 14 appearances. Interest in former Hannover 96 striker Lars Gindorf is also reported. Additionally, attacking midfielder Monju Momuluh and defender Stefano Russo, who have shown form recently, could attract attention from other clubs.

What’s the short‑term outlook?

With a recent run of WWLLD and a two‑game winning streak, the team aims to close the gap to the leaders – currently 31 points behind FC Schalke 04. Early training weeks will be crucial to solidify the defence and expand attacking options around Koudossou and potential returnees. The new coach must quickly decide which players will start.

The first official friendly is scheduled for June, ahead of the 2. Bundesliga kickoff in August. For supporters this means new faces, new tactics and hope of securing another season in the league, while the current stats of 53:51 (goal difference +2) show a strong attack but a leaky defence.