Babbel replaces Funkel at Hertha

(GSM) – Hertha BSC have confirmed the appointment of former VfB Stuttgart boss Markus Babbel as coach on a one-year rolling contract.

The contract will be extended if the relegated club are promoted back to the Bundesliga.

Babbel, who succeeds Friedhelm Funkel, after being relieved of his coaching duties following a 13 month spell at Stuttgart in December 2009.

And the former Liverpool and Germany defender has been out of a job since.

Hertha chief executive Michael Preetz said: “The common goal is the revival (of Hertha). He (Babbel) is a renowned football expert who has already done a good job at Stuttgart. He shares our philosophy for the development of Hertha.”

The 37-year-old Babbel said: “Hertha is a great club with a great tradition. The key for me was the sporting perspective.”