Manager Niko Kovac sacked by Bayern Munich: Details here
What's the story
Niko Kovac, manager of the Bundesliga defending champions Bayern Munich, has been sacked by the club. The development came following Bayern's heavy 1-5 defeat at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. Two defeats, along with three draws and five wins, this season has currently put Bayern on the fourth spot. Here are further details on Kovac's termination.
Reason
Poor performance in recent weeks led to the sacking
Explaining the reason, Bayern's Chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said that the management was unhappy with the team's recent performance, which led to parting ways with Kovac. "[Bayern club president] Uli Hoeness, [sporting director] Hasan Salihamidzic and I had an open and serious conversation with Niko on this basis on Sunday with the consensual result that Niko is no longer coach of FC Bayern," he said.
Quote
We all regret this development: Rummenigge
"We all regret this development. I would like to thank Niko Kovac on behalf of FC Bayern for his work, especially for winning the doubles this past season," Rummenigge added.
Kovac
Even Kovac felt it was the right move
While the decision to part ways with Bayern might be a tough pill to swallow for Kovac, even he felt that it was the right call, for the sake of their betterment. "During this time, our team has won the championship, the DFB Cup and the Supercup. It was a good time. I wish the club and the team all the best," he said.
Do you know?
Manuel Neuer unfazed by defeat to Frankfurt
"It's not a huge surprise what happened. It's just not happening. Something has to change," Bayern captain Manuel Neuer had hinted the same following their brutal defeat to Frankfurt.
Kovac's tenure
Kovac had a decent tenure at Bayern
As for Kovac at Bayern, he had a decent tenure with the club, ever since taking over in April 2018. Under him, the club had won three titles (Bundesliga: 2018-19, DFB-Pokal: 2018-19 and DFL-Supercup: 2018). He also helped Bayern rout 2018-19 UEFA Champions League runners-up Tottenham Hotspur, 7-2, last month. However, the side has failed to click as a unit since then.
Next in charge
Hans Flick to be in charge for now
As of now, assistant coach Hans Flick would be taking over the reins, as the club looks to get back on track. His next task would be the upcoming UCL tie against Olympiakos on Wednesday, as the side is unbeaten in the tournament, so far, this season. He would also be in charge of their high-profile tie against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.