Exclusive: Dino Maamria Plots Return to Management After Studying Thomas Frank and Jurgen Klopp
After 18 months away from the dugout, Dino Maamria is ready to return. The former Burton Albion, Oldham Athletic, and Stevenage manager has spent his time away from day-to-day management studying some of the best minds in football — and he’s now more determined than ever to make an impact on his return.
In an exclusive interview with *Sky Sports*, Maamria opened up about how he has transformed his time out of the game into a valuable period of learning and self-improvement. Rather than stepping away from football entirely, he immersed himself in environments where innovation and elite standards thrive.
“I’ve been to Brentford to observe Thomas Frank, and I’ve also spent time at Red Bull, where Jurgen Klopp’s legacy and methodology still echo through the system,” Maamria revealed. “For me, this wasn’t time off — it was about preparing properly for my next opportunity.”
Maamria, known for his passionate and hands-on coaching style, has embraced a more modern perspective during his sabbatical. He highlights Brentford’s data-led approach and team cohesion under Frank as particularly inspiring.
“Thomas Frank is an excellent man-manager, but what struck me most was the clarity of their football model,” he said. “They know exactly what they’re doing — from recruitment to tactics — and that consistency breeds success. That’s something I want to bring into my next role.”
His visit to the Red Bull football setup — which includes clubs like RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg — offered a contrasting but equally impressive insight. While Klopp made his name at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund before Liverpool, the principles that underpin Red Bull’s philosophy — high intensity, vertical football, and player development — share similarities with the German’s methods.
“You can see the Klopp DNA in how those teams play,” Maamria added. “They’re fearless, aggressive, always on the front foot. That kind of football excites me, and it’s something I’ve always admired.”
Maamria’s most recent role was at Burton Albion, where he helped steer the club away from relegation danger in the 2022/23 season. Despite his exit, he left with his head held high — and with the sense that he had unfinished business in English football.
“Every manager needs a moment to step back and reflect,” he said. “This game moves fast, and if you’re not evolving, you’re falling behind. Now, I’m better prepared, more informed, and more motivated than ever before.”
When asked about where he might re-enter the game, Maamria remained coy, but didn’t hide his ambition.
“I want to work at a club where there’s a project — somewhere I can build, implement my ideas, and create a winning culture. I believe I’m ready for that next challenge.”
With fresh insights, a renewed outlook, and a fire still burning, Dino Maamria’s return to the touchline could be one of the most intriguing stories in the coming football season.
Read more on;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk
Leave a Reply