Gerhard Struber’s arrival at Bristol City presents a clean slate for the squad—but that freshness comes with challenges.
The Austrian must assess an entire dressing room of unfamiliar players, many of whom were shaped under previous regimes with differing philosophies. The clock is ticking, and how Struber handles his short pre-season window will define the early phase of his tenure.
Attitude and Understanding Will Trump Reputation
Struber’s first priority won’t be a tactical one. Before system or shape, he’ll be assessing attitude. Pre-season is as much about character as it is conditioning. Who works hardest in training? Who absorbs instruction? Who demonstrates the resilience and intelligence needed to adapt to a new style of play?
Bristol City’s new head coach is known for preferring structured, energetic football. That requires players to follow clear principles, especially out of possession. Those who grasp the detail quickly will naturally rise in his estimations. Those who hesitate, or who can’t cope with the intensity, may find themselves marginalised before a ball is kicked competitively.
Friendlies Will Be Treated as Auditions
The summer friendlies won’t just be fitness exercises—they’ll be auditions. Struber will be watching closely for more than just goals or assists. Body language, decision-making under pressure, and off-the-ball positioning will all feed into his assessment. Some players who thrived under Liam Manning may now find the style less accommodating, while others could benefit from a shift in emphasis.
There are always surprises during managerial transitions. A player previously on the fringes could become indispensable. Conversely, a well-liked starter may struggle with the change in demands. The friendlies will act as a filter, allowing Struber to begin separating the trusted from the expendable.
Internal Opinions Will Be Balanced with Independence
While Struber will have access to analysis, reports, and internal knowledge from existing staff, the final decisions must be his own. Objective data can inform, and club figures can advise, but the danger of inherited bias is real. This is especially true when inheriting players with long club tenures or past fan favouritism.
In his brief previous spell in the Championship, Struber showed a willingness to back youth and make bold calls. If he sees something in a player—regardless of contract length or legacy—he won’t hesitate to elevate them.
This Isn’t Just Squad Selection—It’s Culture Building
The first starting XI of the season won’t just represent who impressed in training. It will signal to the dressing room what Struber values. Hard work, clarity of thought, and tactical discipline are likely to be rewarded over flair or reputation. It’s about more than choosing a team—it’s about laying the foundation for a new culture at Ashton Gate.
Some players may take longer to adapt and could be phased in as the weeks progress. Others might miss the window entirely. That’s the harsh reality of a transition period. But one thing is clear—Struber will build this team in his image. And while mistakes are inevitable in the early weeks, his core principles will shape who makes the cut.
The reset has begun. Now the real work starts.
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