Chicago Fire FC on Saturday announced they have hired Sebastian Pelzer as technical director, continuing the recent additions to the club's technical staff.
Pelzer, a former German defender who had a successful 16-year professional career, will work on all aspects of the Fire’s football operations and report to new sporting director Georg Heitz, who was hired in mid December.
On Friday, Heitz and the Fire unveiled their first team manager, Raphael Wicky.
Pelzer, who retired from playing in 2015 and has served on the German board of the PFA and also as a broadcast analyst, will join the Fire upon receipt of his work visa.
“I'm looking forward to joining Chicago Fire FC,” Pelzer said in a statement. “This is a great opportunity and I'm honored to be a part of this Club – know that I will do my best to help in every way that I can.”
As technical director, the 39-year-old Pelzer will scout and evaluate players locally and abroad; help establish relationships with clubs around the world; work closely with Wicky and the coaching and technical staff; and help with the football operations budget and team salary cap.
“I have worked closely with Sebastian in the past and we see football in the same way. We share a similar perspective,” Heitz said in a statement. “I’m excited that he has chosen to join us here in Chicago. He is the type of teammate and colleague that we wanted to bring to this Club. Sebastian has a great eye for talent, he is a great communicator, and he knows the intricacies of the sport.”
