Story highlights
Coach Markus Babbel leaves Bundesliga Hertha Berlin
Babbel has been involved in a dispute over his contract
'Trusting co-operation' no longer possible say club
Borussia Moenchengladbach four points behind Bayern Munich
Coach Markus Babbel has left Hertha Berlin with “immediate effect,” the Bundesliga side said Sunday.
The former German international has been in charge of the capital club since the beginning of last season, lifting them back into the top-flight and to a mid-table position going into the midwinter break.
But a contract row came to a head after their 1-1 draw at Hoffenheim Saturday and led to the 39-year-old’s abrupt departure.
“The latest developments, especially the last two days have left us no other choice. Another, more trusting cooperation is not possible under these circumstances,” general manager Michael Preetz was quoted on the club’s official website.
Babbel’s contract was due to expire at the end of the season, but he reportedly told club officials that he would not ask for an extension.
They reacted by bringing forward his exit with Preetz adding: “My task is to avert harm to the club Hertha BSC.
“The training on Monday will be led by Rainer Widmayer.”
Former Eintracht Frankfurt coach Michael Skibbe, currently in charge of Turkish side Eskisehirspor, is the favorite to replace Babbel.
In Bundesliga action Sunday, Borussia Moenchengladbach moved to within four points of halfway leaders Bayern Munich with a 1-0 win over Mainz.
Patrick Herrmann scored the winner, while Hannover are seventh after their 1-1 draw with struggling Kaiserslautern.
