Lucien Favre has confirmed that his time as a first-team manager has reached its conclusion. Speaking to Swiss outlet Blick, the former Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach coach explained that he had already taken the decision some time ago. After more than three decades working on the touchline across Switzerland, Germany and France, the 68-year-old believes the moment is right to step away.
Lucien Favre has confirmed that his time as a first-team manager has reached its conclusion. Speaking to Swiss outlet Blick, the former Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach coach explained that he had already taken the decision some time ago. After more than three decades working on the touchline across Switzerland, Germany and France, the 68-year-old believes the moment is right to step away.
Favre reflected on how constantly active his professional life had been, noting that coaching kept him fully occupied for most of his adult years. He admitted that the passage of time felt quick, adding that remaining busy had often made him forget his age. Now, however, he is comfortable with the situation and content with his choice.
The Swiss coach has not held a managerial position since leaving Nice in 2023. During his time away from football, speculation linked him with a possible comeback to Mönchengladbach, but that return never materialised.
Favre’s journey in German football began at Hertha Berlin. During his spell in the capital, he achieved a remarkable league finish, guiding the club into the Champions League places in 2009, a result few had expected at the time.
His most defining work, however, came at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Taking charge midway through the 2010/11 campaign with the team rooted to the bottom of the Bundesliga, Favre oversaw a dramatic escape from relegation. Survival was secured through a playoff victory against Bochum.
Once stability was restored, Mönchengladbach progressed rapidly. Under Favre’s leadership, the club reached the Champions League, while several young talents flourished. Players such as Marco Reus, Marc-André ter Stegen and Granit Xhaka developed significantly during his tenure at Borussia Park.
Favre later moved to Borussia Dortmund, where he came agonisingly close to domestic success. In the 2018/19 season, his side challenged strongly for the Bundesliga crown before a difficult run late in the campaign ended their title hopes.
Despite missing out on silverware, his time at the Signal Iduna Park was notable for player development. During his spell, Dortmund benefited from the growth of Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland, while Jude Bellingham was handed his first senior appearance.
With his retirement now confirmed, Favre’s managerial career concludes having left a clear imprint on every club he led, particularly through rebuilding teams and shaping future stars.
