Jürgen Klinsmann named Hertha Berlin coach until the end of the season
German football legend Jürgen Klinsmann has taken the reins at Hertha Berlin from Ante Covic until the end of the 2019/20 season.
Klinsmann, 55, was appointed to the capital club's supervisory board just three weeks ago but now, after four Bundesliga defeats on the bounce, has been called upon to take over coaching duties for the remainder of this campaign.
"The decision was extremely difficult for us because Ante has been part of Hertha for more than 20 years," club sporting director Michael Preetz said. "He has lived the job as head coach of the first team since summer with a lot of passion, expertise and meticulousness. Ultimately, in terms of development and recent results, we felt there was need for action."
Hertha currently sit 15th in the Bundesliga table and are only above the relegation play-off spot on goals scored ahead of Fortuna Düsseldorf.
Just three wins from the opening 12 matches of the season had put Covic under pressure, with defeats to Augsburg, RB Leipzig, city rivals Union and Hoffenheim ultimately bringing an end to the Berlin-born coach's tenure.
"The way we've played lately and the results led to that decision," Covic told the club's website. "Since Hertha is not just an employer for me, such a decision hurts, of course. But I have always said that this club is more important than individuals, because I love not only this profession, but even more I love this club."
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As a player, Göppingen-born Klinsmann made more than 200 appearances in the Bundesliga and scored over 100 goals playing for Stuttgarter Kickers, VfB Stuttgart and Bayern Munich.
He also impressed across Europe, playing in England for Tottenham Hotspur, Italy for Inter Milan and Sampdoria, and in France for Monaco.
Klinsmann's last coaching job was as the head coach of the USA from July 2011 to November 2016. He led the USMNT to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, losing out in the last 16 to Belgium.
The German's only previous coaching experience in the Bundesliga came with Bayern, when he managed the club for the 2008/09 season.
Klinsmann is set for a baptism of fire for his second stint in the German top flight: his first game in charge of Hertha will be this coming weekend at the Olympiastadion against Borussia Dortmund.
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