City’s Under-21s open the 2026/27 campaign on Wednesday evening with the first of three EFL Trophy Group D assignments away to Mansfield Town (kick-off 19.00 UK).
That is then followed next Monday by an inaugural Premier League 2 clash at home to Wolves at the Joie Stadium (kick-off 19.00 UK).
Reiss has taken up the role in succession to Ben Wilkinson, who moved on to a new challenge at Derby County earlier this summer, after two hugely successful seasons in charge of City’s Under-18s.
And the German says it’s a challenge and prospect he is relishing
“First of all I have to say I’m very thankful for having this opportunity and being the coach of the EDS,” Reiss said in an interview with City Studios.
“I’m very thankful for the trust the Academy and the Club gives me. And I’m excited as well.
“It’s a different role, it’s together with a lot more different challenges being part of this group in terms of competitions and the age of the players.
“So I’m very excited.
“The pre-season is nearly done and I’m looking forward to having our first set of games.”
As well as the demands of a competitive and testing PL2 format, Reiss will also oversee City’s progress across the UEFA Youth League, Premier League International Cup and the EFL Trophy.
And the German believes the benefit of competing on so many varied and demanding fronts will prove invaluable for his players.
“I think every competition is very exciting because they are so different when you compare each one back to thinking about the best way to develop and improve the players,” Reiss added.
“If you think about the EFL Trophy against men’s teams and then you have the [Premier League] International Cup and the UEFA Youth League, maybe I am most excited about this competition.
“But international competitions like this or the International cup have different demands again and the Premier League 2 competition, so many different demands in all those competitions.
“I think it’s the best way to develop the players and that’s why I’m really looking forward to playing in all of these competitions starting on Wednesday with the EFL Trophy.
“It will be a tough one but very exciting.”
Play the video to watch the interview in full…
