Ahrweiler BC is pleased to officially announce Ricardo Ribeiro as the new head coach of the U23 team for the 2025/2026 season. The 33-year-old, who most recently served as coach for B-League team VfL Meckenheim, quickly convinced the club's sporting management of his abilities. Aldin Sukic, ABC's sporting director, is confident that Ribeiro is the right man for the upcoming changes in the summer.
About the person: Ricardo Ribeiro, who works as a civil servant, is a true club legend at VfL Meckenheim. For over a decade, he was active there in various roles – as a junior and senior player, head and assistant coach, and as a sporting director.
Aldin Sukic on the coaching decision: "Already after our first conversation – that was a really top conversation – I knew: This is him! We were on the same wavelength from the start. After another discussion with our senior department head, Gianfranco Di Francesco, we were certain that Ricardo should become our new coach. His ideas about playing style and training content completely align with ours. I'm also not worried about the implementation. Ricardo is a structured guy, a successful combination of man and coach – exactly what we need."
Ricardo Ribeiro on his philosophy, impressions, and motivation:
Our goal is to field a team that sticks together, plays passionate soccer, and motivates each other. A mix of fun and ambition – in training as well as in games – will lead us to success. Based on the individual strengths of the players, we will develop suitable playing systems and tactics from this.
The ideal size of a coaching team is difficult to define universally. We are currently in discussions to optimally fill the assistant coach position. For me, team communication is most important – everyone pulls in the same direction, shares tasks, and values each other's contributions.
I don't think it's useful to come up with slogans about league standings before the season. If we manage to continuously develop as a team – players and coaches alike – we can look back at a successful process at the winter break or the end of the season and consistently pursue it.
The clear structure of the club and the appreciative conversations with those in charge convinced me to become part of Ahrweiler BC. I was able to answer the most important questions for myself: Does the club suit me? Am I motivated for this task? Can I develop the team positively? In all points, my answer was a clear 'Yes'. I am particularly looking forward to supporting young players together with experienced individuals and accompanying them with advice and action on their path.
Ahrweiler BC warmly welcomes Ricardo Ribeiro and wishes him a successful start this summer and a sportingly successful time in the Ahr Valley.