Margret Kratz to relinquish Hungary Women’s team reins

Under Kratz’s leadership, Hungary have reached a new level in the past three years and, in addition to understandable defeats to much higher-ranked teams, they’ve won many valuable victories and moved closer to the international elite, the team finishing in second place in Division B of the UEFA Women’s Nations League before suffering home and away defeats to an impressive Belgium side in the playoffs.

In addition to on-pitch results, the national squad’s development has also seen a change in players’ mentality in a positive direction. The success of this initiative is clear and it’s no coincidence that 14 Hungarian national-team players are currently playing abroad, some of them having signed contracts with top European teams. Kratz’s work was greatly helped by the development process that started at the women's academies.

Margret Kratz: "I’m happy and satisfied that I took on this task three years ago. I’ve come to know many good people here and hopefully I was able to pass on a lot of knowledge, while I also learned a lot from Hungary and the national federation. I really enjoyed my work in the team , which I completed with great happiness and enthusiasm, but at the same time the challenges became more and more difficult, the distance from my family and the accompanying homesickness became stronger and stronger, all of which became a burden for me. I think this is exactly the right time to leave, because I’m leaving behind a stable and mentally-strong squad. We have achieved great things together and the team has clearly progressed during the past three years. Of course, I’ll keep an eye on the team’s results and support them during the European Championship qualifiers. With my experience, knowledge and international connections, I’ll continue to be available to help my former players and fellow coaches. If my assistance is sought, I’ll be happy to give it."

MLSZ thanks Margret Kratz for her conscientious, consistent and effective work, and wishes her the best of health and success in all areas of her life.

Kratz, of Germany, was the first foreign head coach of the women's national team and the MLSZ Executive Committee will decide on her successor in due course.