Klinsmann back in management after landing Hertha Berlin job
Jurgen Klinsmann has returned to management after being appointed Hertha Berlin head coach until the end of the season.
The Bundesliga club confirmed Ante Covic had left by mutual consent after discussions with sporting director Michael Preetz, with the team 15th after 12 matches.
Former Tottenham striker and Germany national team boss Klinsmann had joined Hertha’s club board earlier this month, but will now step up to take charge of the side.
“If I do something, I do it right,” Klinsmann told a press conference. “It’s going to be an exciting challenge and hopefully we can all move forward together. I’m incredibly motivated and have a great desire to do this job.
“Because this has all happened so quickly, my future role hasn’t been properly defined, but the plan is to stay until 2020. That way Michael has time to put a plan in place.
“The players know that we’re in a difficult situation. We have to all work together to get the team back on track.
“It’s about picking up points as quickly as possible now. It’s not about making wholesale changes but working together.”
Covic, 44, departs following a lengthy association with the Old Lady, which included a spell as a player in addition to several coaching duties.
Sporting director Preetz told the club website: “It was an extremely difficult decision for us, because Ante has been part of Hertha for more than 20 years. We regret that it has come to this, but ultimately, in terms of development and recent results, we felt there was a need for action.”