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Thomas Reis
Thomas Reis
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Thomas Reis (German pronunciation: [ˈtoːmas ˈʁaɪs], born 4 October 1973) is a German football manager and former professional player who's the current head coach of Süper Lig club Samsunspor.

Key Information

As a player, he began his career at Wertheim-Eichel and later played for clubs like VfB Stuttgart, Eintracht Frankfurt, and VfL Bochum, primarily in defensive and midfield roles. His career highlights include helping Bochum achieve Bundesliga promotion and playing for Germany U-21. After retiring, he transitioned to coaching, starting with Bochum’s youth department and eventually managing the senior team. Reis gained prominence for his tactical acumen, notably leading Bochum to Bundesliga promotion in 2021. Later stints included managing Schalke 04 and, as of 2024, heading Turkish club Samsunspor.[1][2][3][4][5]

Club career

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Reis began his football career as a youth player with his hometown club FC Wertheim-Eichel, later joining VfB Stuttgart, where he reached the final of the B-Youth Championship in the 1989–90 season. He even scored Stuttgart’s only goal in a 1–2 loss against 1. FC Köln. He then progressed to Eintracht Frankfurt, where his professional journey took off.

In the 1992–93 season, Reis joined the professional squad of Eintracht Frankfurt and made his Bundesliga debut on 4 October 1992, in a 4–0 victory against his former club, VfB Stuttgart. Substituted in the 83rd minute for Axel Kruse, Reis showcased his potential. During this time, from 1993 to 1995, he also played for the German U-21 national team. However, he struggled to secure a starting position in Frankfurt, managing only 16 Bundesliga appearances over three years.

In 1995, Reis moved to VfL Bochum in the 2. Bundesliga. His first season was a massive success, with VfL Bochum earning promotion to the Bundesliga, thanks in part to Reis’s 31 appearances. The following year saw VfL Bochum achieve an impressive 5th place in the Bundesliga, with Reis playing every single match of the season.

Although Bochum initially enjoyed top-tier success, they faced relegation in 1999 and 2001, with Reis still a vital part of the team. However, they also managed to bounce back, celebrating promotion in 2000 and 2002. After yet another Bundesliga season in 2002–03, Reis left Bochum, marking the end of an era.

Reis joined FC Augsburg in the Regionalliga Süd for the 2003–04 season, narrowly missing promotion with a 4th place finish after 27 appearances and 3 goals. Seeking new challenges, he moved to Eintracht Trier in the 2. Bundesliga, but his fortunes declined as Eintracht Trier was relegated due to a goal difference just one goal worse than Energie Cottbus on the 14th spot. This marked a heartbreaking end to his time in Trier.

In the 2005–06 season, Reis signed with SV Waldhof Mannheim in the Oberliga Baden-Württemberg. However, his impact was limited, with just four appearances and one goal, signaling the twilight of his playing career.

From youth championships with VfB Stuttgart to Bundesliga highs with Bochum and dramatic battles at FC Augsburg and Eintracht Trier, Thomas Reis’s career exemplifies resilience and passion for football. Despite the ups and downs, his contributions to Bochum’s success and his journey across German football remain memorable.

Managerial career

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Early career

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Reis began his managerial career at VfL Bochum in 2009, working in the club’s youth department. He initially served as a scout before taking on roles as a coach and assistant to the head of the youth program. In February 2012, he transitioned to the first team as an assistant coach under Karsten Neitzel, a position he held until 9 April 2013.

Following his time with the first team, Reis took charge of the U-19 team and, in January 2014, became the head coach of the U-23 squad. By January 2015, he returned to the senior team as an assistant coach. On March 30, 2015, he earned the prestigious DFB Football Coaching License, solidifying his qualifications as a top-level coach.

On 6 September 2019, After previously serving as the women’s team and as the academy’s head coach, Reis was appointed manager of VfL Bochum marking the beginning of his tenure in senior management. Under his leadership, the team displayed resilience and a clear tactical structure, which eventually led to their promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2020–21 season after an 11 year absence from Germany’s top flight. His managerial style emphasized disciplined defensive organization combined with quick transitions, earning him recognition as a tactically astute coach.[6]

Reis continued to guide VfL Bochum through their return to the Bundesliga, ensuring competitive performances against established top-tier teams. His ability to motivate players and adapt strategies during challenging periods became a defining aspect of his managerial career.

After leading VfL Bochum to the Bundesliga, Reis faced a challenging 2022–23 season. The team endured their worst start in Bundesliga history, losing their first six matches and struggling at both ends of the pitch. Despite his efforts to turn things around, results did not improve, and Bochum remained at the bottom of the table. In September 2022, the club decided to part ways with Reis, ending a tenure that had seen both great success and significant challenges.[7]

In October 2022, Reis was appointed as manager of Bundesliga strugglers Schalke 04.[8] After four defeats in the first seven games of the 2023–24 2. Bundesliga season, he was sacked on 27 September 2023.[9]

Samsunspor

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On 12 June 2024, Reis has been the head coach of Süper Lig club Samsunspor, succeeding Markus Gisdol.[10] In his first season with Samsunspor, Reis achieved significant success, guiding the team to a strong performance in the first half of the league. Samsunspor finished the first half of the 2024–25 Süper Lig season in 3rd place, demonstrating solid form and positioning themselves as one of the top teams in the league. Despite facing a transfer ban during the 2024–25 season, the team remarkably finished third in the Süper Lig, securing qualification for the UEFA Europa League for the first time in the club’s history. As a result, Samsunspor will compete in the Europa League play-off round in the 2025–26 season.[11][12]

Career statistics

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Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League DFB-Pokal Europe Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Eintracht Frankfurt 1992–93 Bundesliga 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
1993–94 9 1 0 0 1 0 10 1
1994–95 4 1 0 0 0 0 4 1
Total 16 2 0 0 1 0 17 2
VfL Bochum 1995–96 2. Bundesliga 31 1 1 0 32 1
1996–97 Bundesliga 34 2 3 0 37 2
1997–98 23 1 2 0 5 1 31 2
1998–99 25 5 2 2 27 7
1999–00 2. Bundesliga 18 0 4 1 22 1
2000–01 Bundesliga 12 3 0 0 12 3
2001–02 2. Bundesliga 15 3 1 0 16 3
2002–03 Bundesliga 18 1 2 0 20 1
Total 176 16 15 3 5 1 197 20
VfL Bochum II 2002–03 Oberliga Westfalen 1 1 1 1
FC Augsburg 2003–04 Regionalliga Süd 27 3 27 3
Eintracht Trier 2004–05 2. Bundesliga 23 1 27 3
Waldhof Mannheim 2005–06 Oberliga BW 4 1 4 1
Career total 247 24 15 3 6 1 269 28

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of 1 November 2025
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team Nat From To Record Ref
G W D L GF GA GD Win %
VfL Bochum II Germany 27 January 2014 6 January 2015 35 6 12 17 40 51 −11 017.14 [13]
VfL Bochum Germany 6 September 2019 12 September 2022 112 48 23 41 170 163 +7 042.86 [14]
Schalke 04 Germany 27 October 2022 27 September 2023 31 9 8 14 39 61 −22 029.03 [15]
Samsunspor Turkey 12 June 2024 present 53 26 14 13 79 58 +21 049.06
Total 232 90 57 85 328 333 −5 038.79

Honours

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Managerial honours

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Thomas Reis (born 4 October 1973) is a German professional football manager and former player, currently serving as the head coach of Turkish club . Primarily a central defender during his playing career, Reis began in the youth systems of and before making his professional debut with the latter in the in 1992. He amassed 128 appearances and 14 goals across his top-flight stints, but his most significant contributions came at , where he played from 1995 to 2003, featuring in over 200 matches and helping secure three promotions to the in the 1995–96, 1999–2000, and 2001–02 seasons, including the title in 1995–96. Later spells with , Eintracht Trier, and Waldhof Mannheim followed, where he retired in 2007 after a total of 241 professional appearances and 22 goals. Transitioning to coaching, Reis returned to Bochum in various youth and assistant roles starting in 2011, including managing the U19 team and serving as first-team assistant. Appointed of Bochum's senior side in September 2019 amid a challenging period, he stabilized the team and guided them to the championship in the 2020–21 season, earning after an eight-year absence. His tenure at Bochum extended into the campaign, where the club achieved a respectable 16th place and survival via the relegation playoff, before he departed in September 2022 following a winless start to the season. Reis then managed from October 2022 to September 2023, taking over a struggling side amid a relegation battle and managing them through relegation in 2022–23 before being sacked early in the season after seven matches due to poor results. In July 2024, he joined on a two-year contract, leading the club to a third-place finish in the 2024–25 season and qualification for the League, where they continue to compete as of November 2025. In November 2025, amid Samsunspor's strong performance, expressed interest in acquiring Reis using a release clause in his contract. Known for his preferred 4-3-3 attacking formation and Pro Licence, Reis holds a career managerial win percentage of approximately 48% across more than 200 senior matches (as of November 2025).

Playing career

Eintracht Frankfurt

Thomas Reis was born on 4 October 1973 in Wertheim, . He joined the youth academy of in 1990 at the age of 16, following a brief stint at VfB Stuttgart's youth setup the previous year. During his time in the club's youth system, Reis developed as a defender, primarily playing for the U19 team from 1990 to 1992, where he honed his skills as a left-back with a focus on defensive solidity and overlapping runs. Reis transitioned to the senior squad in the season under coach , making his professional debut on 4 October 1992 at age 19 in a 4–0 home victory against . That season, he appeared in three matches without scoring, while also gaining experience with the to build his tactical awareness and physicality. In the following 1993–94 campaign, still under Stepanović initially, Reis featured in nine games and scored his first senior goal on 16 April 1994 in a 5–1 win over SG Wattenscheid 09. His contributions helped stabilize the defense amid a challenging season that ended in relegation, with Eintracht finishing 16th. Following the drop to the for 1994–95, Reis remained with the club and played a supporting role in their promotion push, appearing in four league matches and netting one goal as Eintracht won the title to return to the top flight. Over his entire senior stint at from 1992 to 1995, he made 16 appearances with two goals, plus three outings and one Cup match, alongside additional reserve team games that further refined his defensive positioning. This period marked his formative years, establishing him as a reliable left-back before his move to .

VfL Bochum

Reis joined in 1995 as a central defender, where he would spend the most significant part of his until 2003. During this period, he made 199 appearances across all competitions, scoring 20 goals. His contributions were pivotal in securing three promotions to the in the 1995–96, 1999–2000, and 2001–02 seasons, including winning the title in 1995–96. In total at Bochum, he featured in 112 matches with 13 goals, alongside 75 appearances and 4 goals in the . Reis often captained the side and was known for his leadership and defensive organization during promotion battles and top-flight stints. In his final seasons, he also played for Bochum's in the Süd during 2002–03, appearing in 27 matches and scoring 3 goals.

Later career and retirement

After departing VfL Bochum following the 2002–03 season, Reis joined FC Augsburg in the Regionalliga Süd for the 2003–04 campaign, where he made 27 appearances and scored 3 goals, helping the team secure a fourth-place finish but falling short of promotion. In 2004, Reis moved to Eintracht Trier in the 2. Bundesliga, featuring in 24 league matches and netting 1 goal during the 2004–05 season amid the team's struggle against relegation. His playing time diminished thereafter, leading to a transfer to SV Waldhof Mannheim in the summer of 2005, where he appeared in just 4 Oberliga matches and scored 1 goal over the next two seasons, primarily due to persistent injury issues that limited his involvement. On the international stage, Reis earned 7 caps for the U21 team between 1994 and 1995, including appearances in friendlies and EURO qualifiers, but he never progressed to the senior national team. Reis announced his retirement from professional football on 1 2007 at the age of 33, concluding a career that spanned 241 professional appearances and 22 goals across various divisions. He transitioned directly into coaching roles shortly after hanging up his boots.

Managerial career

Early coaching roles

Following his retirement from professional football in 2007, Thomas Reis began his coaching career at , initially taking charge of the club's women's team for a brief period from March to June 2011. This role marked his entry into management, where he focused on foundational tactical principles drawn from his experience as a defender. He also served as assistant coach for Bochum II in the 2011–12 season and as first-team assistant on two occasions. Reis progressed within Bochum's youth setup, serving as head coach of the U19 team from July 2013 to January 2014. During this tenure, he oversaw 14 matches in the A-Junioren West, achieving 8 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses, which equated to 1.86 points per match (PPM). His approach emphasized youth development, particularly instilling defensive organization—a hallmark influenced by his playing background at Bochum, where he appeared nearly 200 times as a reliable center-back. In January 2014, Reis moved to lead II in the West, holding the position until January 2015. He managed 35 matches, recording a 0.86 PPM amid a challenging season for the reserve side. This period further honed his skills in player progression, as he contributed to integrating promising talents into higher levels of the club's structure. Reis returned to the U19 team as from July 2015 to June 2016, managing 26 matches with a 2.12 PPM. Reis then joined as U19 head coach from July 2016 to September 2019, compiling 91 matches in the A-Junioren Bundesliga North/Northeast with a strong 2.24 PPM. His tenure highlighted a commitment to nurturing, including the development of players like Arnel Jakupović, who advanced toward senior opportunities during and after Reis's time there. Reis obtained his Pro License during this phase, solidifying his credentials for higher-level roles while prioritizing disciplined defensive setups and transitional play in training.

VfL Bochum

Thomas Reis was appointed as interim of on , 2019, following a poor start to the season, and his role was made permanent shortly thereafter. Over his tenure until September 12, 2022, he managed 112 matches, achieving 50 wins, 21 draws, and 41 losses, for an average of 1.53 points per match. This period marked Reis's first major success at the senior level, where he stabilized the team and guided it through multiple relegation threats in the second tier before achieving promotion. Under Reis, clinched the 2020–21 title with 66 points from 34 matches, securing direct after an 11-year absence. The following season, 2021–22, saw the newly promoted side avoid relegation by finishing 16th, earning a spot in the relegation/promotion playoff and defeating 1. FC 2–1 on aggregate to remain in the top flight—a feat described by the club as "almost like a fairytale." Reis's tactical approach evolved to emphasize a 4-2-3-1 formation, which provided defensive solidity while enabling quick transitions and exploiting wide areas, contributing to notable away performances including a club-record 11 away wins in the second half of the 2020–21 campaign. Reis played a key role in developing players like , who joined on loan from in 2019 and thrived under his guidance, contributing assists and goals while adapting to versatile roles on the right flank before signing permanently with in 2022. His tenure ended abruptly after a winless start to the season, with six consecutive defeats leaving the team at the bottom of the table, leading to his dismissal on September 12, 2022. Despite the exit, Reis's achievements at established him as a capable manager capable of delivering promotion and survival against the odds.

FC Schalke 04

Thomas Reis was appointed head coach of on 27 October 2022, replacing Frank Kramer amid the club's struggle at the bottom of the table. The 49-year-old signed a contract until June 2024, tasked with steering the team away from relegation following a dismal start to the season that left Schalke winless after ten matches. His arrival came shortly after his dismissal from rivals , where he had achieved promotion and mid-table stability, bringing familiarity with the Ruhr derby dynamics to a squad desperate for points. Reis's debut ended in a 0–2 home defeat to on 30 October 2022, extending Schalke's losing streak but marking the beginning of a tenure focused on defensive organization and youth integration. Under his leadership, the club emphasized academy talents like and , while navigating financial constraints that limited major reinforcements; a notable addition was defender on loan from Celtic in January 2023, bolstering the backline amid injuries to key players such as , who became a pivotal attacking figure despite missing time with a metatarsal . Despite a brief unbeaten run that lifted Schalke from the foot of the table, inconsistent results—including heavy losses to top sides—culminated in a 17th-place finish and direct relegation to the . Retained for the 2023–24 campaign, Reis aimed to rebuild in the second tier, prioritizing squad harmony and youth development to address ongoing financial woes and fan expectations. However, challenges mounted with persistent injuries to core players like and growing squad unrest, reflected in a win percentage that fell sharply from his highs of over 50% to around 29% at Schalke. A dismal start—four defeats in the opening seven matches, including a 0–3 loss to —eroded confidence, leading to his dismissal on 27 September 2023 after 31 games (9 wins, 8 draws, 14 losses, 1.13 points per match). The decision was driven by a lack of sporting progress and internal tensions, as stated by the club's management.

Samsunspor

Thomas Reis was appointed head coach of on 1 July 2024, signing a two-year until 30 2026. Upon his arrival, the club was considered a relegation candidate in the , having narrowly avoided the drop in the previous season. Under Reis's leadership, underwent a remarkable transformation during the 2024–25 season, climbing to third place in the standings by the end of the campaign. This success marked the highest points total in the club's history for a single season under his management, achieved despite a transfer ban that limited squad reinforcements. As of November 2025, Reis had overseen 54 matches across all competitions, recording 28 wins, 13 draws, and 13 losses, yielding an average of 1.82 points per match. The team's third-place finish secured qualification for the 2025–26 play-off round, where faced Panathinaikos before dropping into the UEFA Conference League. In European competition, notable victories included a 3–0 home win against Dynamo Kyiv in the Conference League group stage, highlighting the squad's improved defensive solidity and attacking efficiency. Reis predominantly deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing high pressing and quick transitions, which adapted well to the intensity of Turkish football. This tactical setup and squad building have fostered a stable, high-performing unit, contrasting with the club's prior struggles and positioning Samsunspor as a surprise contender in both domestic and European fixtures.

Statistics

Playing statistics

Thomas Reis amassed 275 appearances and 29 goals across his professional playing career, spanning multiple leagues and cup competitions. In league play, he recorded 242 matches and 22 goals, distributed as 128 appearances with 14 goals in the , 87 appearances with 5 goals in the , and 27 appearances with 3 goals in the . His contributions extended to domestic and European cups, where he made 19 appearances and scored 3 goals in the , alongside 6 appearances and 1 goal in . Reis also earned 7 caps for the U21 national team without scoring.

Breakdown by Club

The following table summarizes Reis's appearances and goals by club across all competitions:
ClubAppearancesGoals
19920
192
273
241
41
VfL Bochum II11
VfB Stuttgart U1711
Totals exclude youth and amateur games beyond listed. During the 1999–2000 season with in the , Reis featured in 18 league matches without scoring and 4 appearances, contributing to the team's promotion campaign.

Managerial statistics

Thomas Reis has managed a total of 364 matches across his coaching career, achieving 171 wins, 88 draws, and 105 losses, for an overall win percentage of approximately 47% and an average of 1.65 points per match (PPM). These figures encompass both senior and youth team roles, including positions beyond those detailed in the table below, reflecting his progression from coaching to professional management. Key accomplishments include securing one with in the 2020–21 season and guiding to qualification for the Conference League in the 2025–26 campaign, though he has yet to reach a cup final as a . His records vary significantly by club, with stronger performances in youth setups compared to some senior stints. At VfL Bochum's senior team, he oversaw 112 matches with 49 wins, yielding 1.53 PPM and culminating in promotion from the . In contrast, his tenure at spanned 31 matches with only 10 wins and 1.23 PPM, amid a challenging relegation battle. At , as of November 2025, he has recorded 27 wins in 55 matches for 1.73 PPM, including successful European qualifiers and ongoing participation in the 2025–26 Conference League. Youth roles highlight his early success, such as 62 wins in 91 matches with VfL Wolfsburg U19 (2.24 PPM) and 25 wins in 40 matches with VfL Bochum U19 (2.05 PPM). The following table summarizes his managerial records by club, focusing on total competitions managed:
ClubMatchesWinsDrawsLossesPPMNotes
(senior)1124925381.53Promotion to (2020–21)
31108131.23No major achievements
552714141.73 Conference League qualification (2025–26)
U19916215142.24Youth development focus
U194025782.05Youth development focus
These statistics underscore Reis's tactical preference for a 4-2-3-1 formation, which contributed to defensive solidity in promotion and European campaigns.

Honours

As player

As a player, Thomas Reis contributed to VfL 's success in securing on three occasions, including winning the title in the 1995–96 season. finished as champions that year with 69 points from 34 matches, earning automatic promotion alongside runners-up . In the 1999–2000 campaign, Reis helped secure second place in the with 64 points, clinching one of the three promotion spots to the top flight. Similarly, in 2001–02, the team finished third with 65 points under manager Peter Neururer, again earning promotion. At the international youth level, Reis earned three caps for the U21 team between 1994 and 1995, but without major tournament participation or honours. Reis's career featured no major senior international appearances, wins, or other cup successes.

As manager

Under Thomas Reis's management, secured the title in the 2020–21 season, achieving with 67 points and a +27 over 34 matches. This success highlighted his tactical acumen in leading the team to the top flight after a six-year absence. With in the 2024–25 , Reis guided the team to a third-place finish, accumulating 64 points from 19 wins, 7 draws, and 10 losses, which qualified them for the play-offs. Reis has not secured any major domestic cup victories during his managerial career. No notable youth-level regional titles are recorded from his coaching stints at clubs like and FC Schalke 04.

References

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