GERMANY legend Jurgen Klinsmann has been appointed the new head coach of Hertha Berlin.
The tactician has replaced Ante Covic following Hertha’s 4-0 defeat to Augsburg on Sunday.
Jurgen Klinsmann is the new head coach of Hertha Berlin
The World Cup winner has been out of work since being fired by the USA three years ago
The capital club have won just one of their last six Bundesliga matches, recording four consecutive defeats.
And Klinsmann has been hired until the end of the season in a bid to turn Hertha’s season around.
They lie joint-third from bottom with just three wins this season.
And with a clash against Borussia Dortmund approaching, club chiefs decided the time was right to make a swift change.
Managing Director of Sport Michael Preetz confirmed: “The decision was extremely difficult for us as Ante has been part of Hertha for more than 20 years and has lived the job as head coach with a lot of passion, expertise and meticulousness.
“We regret this development. I would like to thank Ante for his commitment and we will talk to him about alternative ways to be involved with Hertha.”
Covic, who had only been in the job since the summer after 11 years there as a player and a further six as youth team boss, added: “The way we last played and the results led to this decision.
“Hertha is not just an employer for me. Such a decision hurts but I’ve always said the club is more important than individuals, because I love not only this profession, but even more I love this club.”
It now falls to Klinsmann to revive the fallen giants, with the likes of ex-Chelsea winger Salomon Kalou and former Man City defender Dedryck Boyata amongst the big names who have underperformed this term.
It is the 55-year-old’s first managerial job since being fired by the USA three years ago.
Klinsmann has also managed Bayern Munich and the German national team.
But he’s best remembered for his time on the pitch rather than off it, having played for Stuttgart, Inter Milan, Monaco, Spurs, Bayern and Sampdoria.
He won numerous trophies including the Bundesliga title, two UEFA Cups and the Italian SuperCup.
But Klinsmann’s greatest moments came playing for Germany.
He scored 40 goals in 82 appearances for his country, winning the 1990 World Cup and 1996 Euros.
Klinsmann now has a point to prove in the dug-out after three years without a job.
He was recently tipped to take charge of the Ecuadorian national team.
And Klinsmann had previously been linked with the Australia job.
Meanwhile, his son was a shock inclusion in the United States’ squad for Wayne Rooney’s England testimonial last year.
Swansea crowd cheer for young fan who does Klinsmann dive after scoring during half time entertainment
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
