Thorsten Fink transitioned from a defensive midfielder at Bayern Munich to a journeyman coach across multiple international leagues. Over a playing career defined by Bundesliga success and a Champions League title, he eventually pivoted to management, accumulating experience in Germany, Switzerland, Cyprus, and beyond while navigating the fluctuating expectations of professional football clubs.
Playing Career and Bayern Munich Years
Fink began his professional path with Borussia Dortmund's reserve squad before transferring to Wattenscheid 09, where he contributed to their 1990 promotion to the 1. Bundesliga. After a three-season tenure at Karlsruher SC, he joined Bayern Munich in 1997. During his seven years at the club, he secured four Bundesliga titles and three DFB-Pokal victories. He was part of the squad that reached the 1999 Champions League final, though he earned a winner's medal in the 2001 final against Valencia without making an appearance. Persistent cartilage damage in his knee forced his retirement in 2006.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Managerial Success in Switzerland
Appointed manager of Basel in June 2009, Fink oversaw a period of significant domestic success. He guided the team to victory in the 2009-10 Swiss Cup and secured the Swiss Super League title in both 2009-10 and 2010-11. His tenure was marked by a dramatic comeback during the 2009-10 league campaign, culminating in a 2-0 final-day victory over Young Boys. He departed the club in October 2011, following a period that also included a controversy involving allegations of racist remarks made toward a player.
Bundesliga and International Assignments
Fink’s return to the German top flight with Hamburger SV in 2011 focused on avoiding relegation, with the club ultimately finishing 15th that season. He oversaw an improved seventh-place finish in 2012-13 before his dismissal in September 2013 after a poor start to the following campaign. His subsequent coaching journey included a brief, high-pressure stint at APOEL in 2015, where he was released despite holding a narrow league lead with two matches remaining. He later took the helm at Austria Wien, initiating his tenure there in the summer of 2015.
Fast facts
- Born: 1967, Marten, Germany
- Primary Position: Defensive midfielder
- Club appearances: Bayern Munich (1997–2003)
- Swiss Super League titles won: 2
- Notable trophy: 2001 UEFA Champions League
- Professional coaching start: 2006
- Current club: Samsunspor
Questions readers ask
Did Thorsten Fink play in the 2001 Champions League final?
No, although he was a member of the Bayern Munich squad that defeated Valencia, he did not participate in the match.
Why did Fink leave his coaching position at APOEL?
He was dismissed by APOEL in May 2015 following a 1-0 loss to Apollon Limassol, despite the team leading the league standings.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player and association football coach
.jpg)