At The Football Week, we go beyond covering games—we celebrate the people who make the sport great. Today, we introduce Anne Pochert, a coach whose journey from player to leader is both inspiring and educational.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Born on February 4, 1986, in Dresden, Germany, Anne’s love for football began early. She started her playing career as a midfielder with FF USV Jena. Those early years in German football helped her build a strong work ethic and a deep passion for the game, setting the stage for everything that followed.
From Player to Coach
After a successful playing career, Anne retired in 2014. Instead of stepping away from the sport, she chose to give back by coaching. She began by working with the U-17 girls at FF USV Jena, where she focused on helping young players learn the basics of the game and develop their skills.
Building Her Coaching Style
Anne’s coaching journey truly took off when she became the head coach of the FC Carl Zeiss Jena women’s team in 2020. She quickly earned a reputation for her mix of clear planning and creative strategies. Her teams became known for playing smart, keeping solid positions on the field, and encouraging individual improvement.
A New Chapter in Switzerland
In May 2022, Anne Pochert took on an exciting role as head coach of Grasshopper Club Zürich’s women’s team. In her first season, she led the team to a third-place finish in the qualification round and reached the playoff semifinals. However, after a challenging start to the following season, she and the club mutually parted ways in October 2023.
Since January 2025, Anne has been serving as the interim head coach of the Swiss U19 women’s national team, having previously worked as assistant coach starting in September 2024.
Why Anne Pochert Matters
For anyone involved in football—from club directors to fellow coaches—Anne represents a new kind of leader. Her move from the field to the sidelines shows that with passion and hard work, change is possible. Her story is not just about football tactics, but about guiding a team, nurturing talent, and continuously learning on the job. She is a role model for those who believe in the power of teamwork and the beauty of the sport.
Our Exclusive Interview with Anne Pochert
Can you tell us about your early years and share any memories that sparked your love for football?
I started playing football relatively late. I only got into it at the age of 11. Before that, I tried athletics and chess. I also used to play an instrument. What fascinated me most about football was the team aspect and the tactical side. You compete against others, but you do it together, and in the end, it’s often not the technically better team that wins, but the one that reads the opponent best and adapts accordingly. As a team, you win and lose together. That can be a great source of strength.
What experiences from your childhood do you feel most contributed to who you are today?
My mother was once a competitive athlete and represented the former East Germany in speed skating at the Olympics and World Championships. I definitely inherited my ambition and athleticism from her. She taught me perseverance, discipline, and that one should never give up. Her consistently positive attitude had a strong influence on me. She never forced me into anything and always made me feel that if I wanted to achieve something and believed in it, I could accomplish anything. I’m very grateful to her for that.
Was there a specific moment or influence that made you decide to pursue a career in football?
As a child, I tried out many different things, and one day while I was doing cross-country running in athletics, I saw a football team training nearby. That’s when it clicked for me. The girls were having so much fun. The energy on the field convinced me.
How did the challenges you faced as a young player help shape your approach to the sport and leadership?
As a young footballer, I quickly became better than the other girls. That’s why I also trained with the boys from the youth academy of SG Dynamo Dresden. It was a valuable but tough time for me as the only girl among boys. I learned to assert myself and stand my ground—both physically and personally. I was able to apply what I had learned very effectively in matches with the girls’ teams. I was usually the captain from an early age. Leading and communicating are definitely my strengths.
Who in your life has had the biggest impact on your journey in football, and what valuable lessons did they teach you?
My mother passed on many values from competitive sports to me, even though she doesn’t know much about football. I also learned a lot from various coaches in both boys’ and girls’ football. During my time at the sports school in Dresden, we worked with excellent coaches who placed great emphasis on technical refinement—thousands of repetitions in heading or passing. These are the things that shaped me. That obsession with detail had a lasting impact on me.
How do you balance the pressures of your coaching career with maintaining a fulfilling personal life?
I have a strong family by my side that supports me in every way. They make many sacrifices and love me for who I am because they know that football is a major part of my life. A coach has little time for themselves. Over time, I had to learn that personal breaks are essential to recharge and generate new ideas. Having a family that walks this path with you for years and provides the stability that the football world as a coach often cannot—that is a tremendous gift. I’m very grateful for that.
When you’re away from the football field, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy that keep you grounded?
I enjoy being in nature. I also like cycling and bouldering. When time allows, I also enjoy going to the gym in the morning.
If you hadn’t chosen a career in football, what other passion or profession might have captured your interest?
I would have liked to become a firefighter. Helping others and working in a team are things I would have enjoyed doing professionally outside of football as well.