Martin Männel is already playing his 15th season at FC Erzgebirge Aue. His contract has been extended until 2024. However, further cooperation is also possible.
Oh – Two legends in Ore Mountains – The Randspruchten once sang about Holzmichl: “Yes, he’s still alive!” With Martin Männel (34), the Auer fans sing: “Yes, he’s still playing!” Now the FCE captain and goalkeeper, who has been with the club since 2008, has extended his contract until June 30, 2024. He’s going into his 16th season this summer.
FCE captain and keeper Martin Männel (34) can also imagine a future in Aue beyond June 30, 2024. © Obert Michael/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa
But Männel, who will be 35 in four weeks, can even imagine staying longer. Under two conditions: “My performance and my health. I’m very sure that it will fit in terms of performance. But I’ve been injured twice longer. We all have to look at that,” says the keeper.
And he adds: “That’s why we made a conscious decision for 2024. Everything else will show up. If I perform well, can help the team and stay healthy, anything is possible.”
Staying up in the league would certainly be an important factor. Aue has worked their way up with ten points from their first five games this calendar year and is now four points clear of the relegation zone in 14th place.
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“We’re on the right track after the win against Mannheim, but there’s still a long way to go. Especially against Waldhof we saw that small things make the difference,” said the goalkeeper.
Another position at FC Erzgebirge Aue would also be conceivable
But the time will also come for Männel to hang up their heads. The studied journalist has a company for robotic lawnmowers together with his wife Doreen – in addition to his professional career.
“Together with my wife, I laid the foundation for building a life outside of football,” he says.
One option would be to have some form of FC Erzgebirge Aue to stay. “The first casual conversation already took place,” confirms Männel. “But that’s all in the future as far as that is concerned. I still want to be in goal for the club and celebrate success as long as possible.”
