Louis van Gaal sacked as Bayern Munich manager
Dutchman relieved of his duties following Bundesliga club's struggles to ensure Champions League football
Bayern Munich have sacked manager Louis van Gaal with immediate effect, the Bundesliga club have confirmed.
The 59-year-old was set to step down at the end of the season, but with the club in fourth place and struggling to ensure qualification for next season’s Champions League, his departure has been brought forward.
Van Gaal led the club to the Bundesliga title and Champions League final last season, but Bayern have struggled domestically this term and currently trail third-placed Hannover by a point.
A club statement read: “The board, director of sport and president of FC Bayern took this decision together.
“After the 1-1 draw in Nurnberg yesterday and the renewed slide to fourth in the table, and with the threat of missing out on the minimum aim of a place in the Champions League next season, this decision was taken in FC Bayern’s best interests.
“Louis van Gaal’s assistants Frans Hoek, Jos van Dijk and Max Reckers have also been relieved of their duties.”
Van Gaal’s former assistant Andries Jonker will take the reigns until the end of the season before Jupp Heynckes becomes club’s new permanent manager.
