Jena Lokal - Local News, Events & Culture
Your update on city life, tips, and upcoming events in Jena.
Jena, July 2, 2026 – FC Carl Zeiss Jena is setting the course for the future and has signed local striking talent Benno Walter. The 18-year-old signed a two-year contract with the Blue-Yellow-Whites.
Jena, June 24, 2026 – A major shake-up at FC Carl Zeiss Jena shortly before the start of the season: Managing Director Patrick Widera is unexpectedly resigning from his position as of June 30, 2026. The 46-year-old is stepping down from his roles in the club and the Spielbetriebs-GmbH for family reasons.
FC Carl Zeiss Jena has clarified its most important personnel matter for the club’s sporting future: Marco Grote will be the new head coach at the Kernberge, signing a long-term contract until 2028.
Thuringian Regionalliga club FC Carl Zeiss Jena has named 53-year-old Marco Grote as its new head coach. Grote, who succeeds Volkan Uluc, has signed a long-term contract until 2028 to lead the team at the Kernberge.
Jena, May 26, 2026 – After narrowly missing the championship title, the regional league club FC Carl Zeiss Jena is initiating a strategic restart. The club will increasingly rely on its own youth in the future to manage the personnel upheaval and secure its sporting future.
FC Carl Zeiss Jena is facing a significant personnel restructuring as defensive leader Bastian Strietzel moves to the third-division side Erzgebirge Aue and offensive player Kingsley Oduah also departs.
Following the missed promotion to the 3. Liga, FC Carl Zeiss Jena is preparing for a personnel realignment. Head coach Volkan Uluc will leave the club after the Thüringenpokal final, while Sporting Director Miroslav Jovic searches for a successor.
Midfielder Justin Schau from FC Carl Zeiss Jena will end his professional football career this summer at the age of just 27. The Jena homegrown talent cites persistent physical problems and health precautions for life after professional sports as the reasons.
Jena, March 19, 2026 – In the struggle over the future promotion regulations for the football regional leagues, the so-called Compass Model is moving into focus. Ahead of the trend-setting working group meeting on March 25, FC Carl Zeiss Jena is now also entering the discussion.
FC Carl Zeiss Jena and offensive player Kay Seidemann have mutually terminated their contract. After months of fan protests, fitness issues, and disciplinary problems, the club draws a final line.