Augsburg have named Heiko Herrlich as their new head coach on a contract until the end of 2021/22 following the dismissal of Martin Schmidt.

Herrlich, 48, was most recently in charge of Bayer Leverkusen from July 2017 to December 2018 after he had taken Jahn Regensburg from the fourth tier to Bundesliga 2 with back-to-back promotions.

“We’re convinced we’ve found a coach who perfectly fits Augsburg in Heiko Herrlich,” said sporting director Stefan Reuter. “He’s an absolute professional who knows the Bundesliga as a player and coach, so we’re sure we’ll get back to success with him.”

Formerly part of the youth set-ups for Germany, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, this is Herrlich’s third head coach role in the Bundesliga after spells with Bochum and Leverkusen.

“I’m looking forward to this new challenge with Augsburg,” said the former Werkself, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Dortmund player. “I’m thankful to get this chance to once again work intensely with a team daily.

“Augsburg is a well run club with an enthusiastic environment and great fans, so it’s a joy for me to be part of this club that always wants to progress.”

Herrlich was the Bundesliga’s top scorer as a player with Gladbach in 1995, going on to win the league twice with BVB in 1996 and 2002, as well as the club’s only UEFA Champions League title in 1997.

Herrlich (c.) was part of the Dortmund side that won the 1997 UEFA Champions League. - imago sportfotodienst/imago sportfotodienst

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His first game in charge of Die Fuggerstädter is at home to Wolfsburg on Sunday, with the club 14th in the table, five points clear of the relegation play-off spot.

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