Maximilian Senft: A Rising Star in Austrian Football
Maximilian Senft, a name now recognized in Austrian football, combines his past as a poker professional with his current role as a football manager. At just 35 years old, he’s already making a significant impact, having guided SV Ried to the Austrian Bundesliga after a successful promotion campaign. The new season began with an impressive 2-2 draw against the formidable Red Bull Salzburg, showcasing that his team is ready to compete at the highest level.
From Poker to Coaching
Senft’s journey to coaching isn’t typical; he initially immersed himself in the amateur football scene of Austria and pursued a degree in economics from the Vienna University of Economics and Business. His passion for poker, where he made a name for himself on the competitive circuit—including a notable 11th place finish at the 2014 World Series of Poker with a prize of around $500,000—dominated his early career.
Only in his late twenties did Senft recognize coaching football as a serious possibility. He took the plunge into coaching courses, culminating in a Master’s degree at the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, while simultaneously engaging with others in the tactical analysis community, contributing to the respected website Spielverlagerung.
Career Progression and Coaching Philosophy
His career advanced through a series of strategic roles, including assistant coach positions in the Austrian leagues, eventually leading him to top club Austria Vienna. Notably, he served under Gerhard Struber at both Wolfsberger AC and Barnsley, gaining valuable experience that prepared him for his first-team role at SV Ried, which came in March 2023.
Drawing parallels between poker and football, Senft believes both are games characterized by incomplete information.
“In football, like poker, one must adapt continuously to unforeseen circumstances during matches,”
he explains. His coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of maintaining a calm demeanor while making critical decisions, which he honed through his poker experience.
Tactical Innovations and Set Pieces
Senft has devised a flexible tactical framework for his team, allowing for adaptations that leverage the strengths of his players. His preferred formations, 3-4-3 and 3-5-2, are tailored to maximize performance based on players’ abilities, integrating strategies that promote aggressive and intelligent play.
Set pieces have become a vital aspect of SV Ried’s approach, informed by Senft’s time in England where such situations were emphasized in training. Analytics from Impect show that last season, SV Ried excelled in set pieces, generating high-quality scoring opportunities that surpassed those they conceded.
Decision-Making and Emotional Strategies
Despite the volatile nature of football results and public opinion, Senft remains steadfast in his decision-making, confident in his ability to assess the broader complexities of the game.
“If I believe my choice is right, I’ll stand by it, knowing that in the end, outside judgments are often tied to outcomes, which can be misleading,”
he states.
SV Ried’s recent success is evident; they not only secured their place in the Bundesliga but did so decisively. Their promotion season saw them clinch the second division title by six points, with a striking goal difference, proving Senft’s tactical acumen.
Looking forward, he emphasizes that while a coach’s influence is most pronounced early in the match, the players must ultimately take charge as the game progresses. Building emotional connections with his squad remains crucial for success. Senft acknowledges that compelling players through relationships is fundamental to achieving team goals—
“In poker, it’s a solo game, but in football, it’s all about collective effort and trust.”
Additionally, he prepares his team with emotional strategies for high-pressure situations, equipping them with reference points to navigate adversity on the field. As he puts it, having clear tactical plans enhances emotional control, allowing players to execute strategies regardless of the intensity of the moment.
Conclusion
With his unique blend of experiences, Senft is proving to be a strategic mastermind in football management, utilizing lessons from poker to forge a promising path at the helm of SV Ried during the 2024-25 season.
