2. Bundesliga - FC Nuremberg signs defender Knoche
The 1. FC Nürnberg signs experienced defender Robin Knoche. The contract of the 32-year-old expired with Bundesliga club 1. FC Union Berlin at the end of June, making him a free agent and allowing him to move to Franken.
During the contract period, the club, as usual, made no statements. Knoche played 306 games in the German elite league, along with five appearances in the Champions League.
He switched from VfL Wolfsburg to the capital in the summer of 2020 and became the defensive chief. However, in the course of the previous season, Knoche had lost his starting spot to winter newcomer Kevin Vogt. In the 2. Bundesliga, the Lower Saxon is now trying for a new start.
"We are very proud and happy that Robin has decided for Nürnberg despite other offers from the Bundesliga. His footballing abilities are undisputed, he has experience in the Bundesliga and in international competitions," explained Nürnberg's sports director Joti Chatzialexiou. "Over the years, he has developed into a natural leader who will now be an important part of our axis. The entire team will benefit enormously from this."
Knoche himself said about his new start in Nürnberg: "The responsible persons have shown me great care, the talks were marked by mutual respect from the beginning. I have consciously decided for this step, that is my credo when changing clubs. (Sports director) Joti (Chatzialexiou), (Sporting director) Olaf (Rebbe) and (Trainer) Miro (Klose) have shown me the exciting way that began in the summer and the further plans. I want to actively shape this."
- Robin Knoche's move to 1. FC Nürnberg in the Bundesliga was made possible due to his contract expiration with 1. FC Union Berlin in Berlin.
- His tenure with 1. FC Union Berlin saw him play 306 games in the Bundesliga, along with five appearances in the prestigious Champions League.
- Knoche's journey in the German football landscape also includes a stint with VfL Wolfsburg, where he played before joining the capital club in 2020.
- In the 2. Bundesliga, the Lower Saxony is now aiming for a fresh start after losing his starting spot to Kevin Vogt in the previous Bundesliga season.
- The transfer news was met with excitement in Nürnberg, with sports director Joti Chatzialexiou stating, "His footballing abilities are undisputed..."
- Craving a fresh challenge and with mutual respect in mind, Knoche decided to join Nürnberg, saying, "I have consciously decided for this step..."
- Bavaria's second league team and the city of Nuremberg will undoubtedly benefit from the addition of Robin Knoche's experience and leadership in their soccer endeavors.
