Maximilian Senft: From Poker Tables to Austrian Football's Summit

Maximilian Senft, the 35-year-old coach of Ried, has transformed his poker skills into a strategic advantage, leading his team to the top tier of Austrian football.

From a professional poker player, Senft transitioned to football, leveraging his experience from the 2014 World Series of Poker.

With a degree in economics and a master's in coaching, he worked as an assistant coach in teams such as Wolfsberger and Barnsley, before taking over Ried in March 2023.

Despite the team's relegation, the management supported him, and the following season he won the title, with Ried emerging as the top team in Europe in relation to its market value.

Senft connects poker with football, emphasizing the importance of adaptation and composure. His philosophy is based on flexibility and utilizing the characteristics of each player.

He emphasized the psychology and preparation of the team for critical moments, while the draw with Salzburg in the premiere showed the team's potential.

Emotions, relationships, and clear decisions are the elements that characterize him.