Hertha sack Babbel

Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin have sacked head coach Markus Babbel with immediate effect.

Babbel’s contract with Hertha was due to expire at the end of the season and he recently revealed that he had no intention of signing a new deal with the Berlin side.

The 39-year-old coach also criticised the club for their conduct in the aftermath of his announcement, and last year’s 2. Bundesliga champions have now decided to say farewell to Babbel.

“On Sunday, December 18, Hertha BSC have relieved head coach Markus Babbel of his duties with immediate effect. The decision will be further explained at a press conference at 1700CET,” an official statement reads.

The former Germany international started as Hertha coach in the summer of 2010 and guided them back to the Bundesliga in his first season in charge. They currently sit 11th in the German top tier.

Hertha have been linked with Eskisehirspor boss Michael Skibbe as Babbel’s replacement, but the 46-year-old has denied rumours that he could be on his way to Berlin.